Matthew 27 - What's Jesus Saying To Us?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Prodigals and Unsaved,

    Our Lessons in Matthew will always have such topics as; "How To" Live our Lives Today, Healings, Miracles, Deliverance and more.  Today will see; what we need in the, Judas’ Remorse, Jesus Before Pilate, Jesus Is Mocked, Jesus Crucifixion and Jesus Is Buried.

    So hang in there - Abba [God] wrote this all down, for His Children to have the knowledge we need to get through these crazy days.  Thereby knowing the truth, we're set-free by Jesus' Victory, we have victory, when we say and do what Jesus did.  Plus understand what Heaven is like and will be on earth
E V E N T A U L L Y, so we can preach; a Godly life, overcome the world [enemy] today. The world is the twerp's [satan's] playground.  Thankfully if you know your authority, he can only play hit & miss with you ie., I had a stroke, only in hospital [for testing] 3 days. Little to no affect on my body, compared to many I know who have had stokes - PTL!

    You’ll see that, Chapters 27-28 are about the crucifixion of Christ and His 

RESURRECTION, proving that the Bible is TRUE and as ALIVE NOW as it was in the PAST!  We just have a BETTER COVENANT, they the Jews did, but we still get their promises/blessings, when we follow the principals in His Word.

27:1-10  Judas’ Remorse:

    1-2  [Matthew 27:1-2 NKJV] 1 “When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”
Not only did the chief priests question Jesus, but other religious leaders who were against Jesus lied in their testimonies to crucify Jesus.  But Jesus, would never run away, this was His purpose on earth, to redeem us.   To take him to the Romans, because they had NO authority to kill anyone.

   3-6  [Matthew 27:3-6 NKJV] 3 “Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What [is that] to us? You see [to it]!" 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”

First off, Judas sinned prior to Jesus redeeming us.  His biggest sin, was by betraying innocent blood.

[Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV] 16 These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness [who] speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

It’s Judas’ hands that shed innocent blood.  Even though he was with Jesus for His 3 1/2 years during His ministry to the people.  Provers is Old Testament [OT], and what people forget God is the SAME, YESTERDAY, TODAY and FOREVER.  Also, Judas’ sins were only covered for a 1 year period in the OT.

  7-10  [Matthew 27:7-10 NKJV] 7 “And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 "and gave them for the potter's field, as the LORD directed me.”

Please note, these words are not in Jeremiah, but in Zechariah:

            [Zechariah 11:13 NKJV] “And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty [pieces] of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter.

27:11-26  Jesus Before Pilate:

    11-18  [Matthew 27:11-18 NKJV] 11 “Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus said to him, "[It is as] you say." 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.”

The first and only question Jesus answered was to Pilate and only said “IT IS YOU SAY” I AM THE KING OF THE JEWS. Other than that, Jesus did not try to defend Himself, when they all lied - this surprised Pilate - most would.

It’s hard to believe, that someone like Jesus who NEVER sinned, versus Barabbas a “notorious” prisoner would not have been set free especially with all the manifestations, JESUS had revealed to the multitudes.

    19-21  [Matthew 27:19-21 NKJV] 19 “While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him." 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, “Barabbas!"

    They weren’t foolish people, but lead by the spirit of their “Flesh,” meaning the twerp [satan] was guiding them, by the religious leaders.  Truly, that’s why they needed a SAVIOR!

    I have a problem with the “wife’s” dream, because the twerp can put thoughts in our mind, which means he can create dreams while you sleep.  Had Jesus not completed His purpose, WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REDEEMED - BY HIS BLOOD, IF her dream had stopped Jesus from being crucified.

    22-24  [Matthew 27:21-24 NKJV] 21 “The governor answered and said to them, "" They said, "Barabbas!" 22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" [They] all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!" 23 Then the governor said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!" 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather [that] a tumult was rising, he took water and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see [to it].

  There was NO WAY, Jesus would have been FREED… But Pilate was smart in washing his hands - to remove any condemnation on himself.  It wasn’t his decisions, but the Jews.  And I must say - THANK GOD FOR THE JEWS crucifying Jesus - OR WE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN GRAFTED INTO TREE OF LIFE!

   25-26  [Matthew 27:25-26 NKJV] 25 “And all the people answered and said, "His blood [be] on us and on our children." 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [Him] to be crucified.”

  #7850 Scourged means” To flog and goad.

  Did you notice that the people said “Jesus’ blood be on us and our children - if they only knew!  His BLOOD Covered a MULTITUDE of SINS.  His PEASE would surpass ALL understanding and His JOY, would strengthen them.  After His resurrection - but before that, they CURSED THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN.

  PRAISE ABBA [GOD] for His mercy and grace that refills us daily. 

27-32 Jesus Is Mocked

  27-32 [Matthew 27:27-32 NKJV] 27 “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His [own] clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.  32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.”

The Soldiers were so good.  I wonder if they ever got SCORGE?  In either case; Jesus was stripped of His clothes.  A crown of thorns on His head, which I’m sure made Him bleed.  They beat Him on the head with the reed.  They spat on Him.  They probably redressed Him, so not many would not see what they had done, they changed Jesus back into His clothes and led Him out to be crucified.

Did you notice, that the New King James Version - did not mention the 39 lashes Jesus took for our healings? [NOTE: it does in other Books, just not here.]  Also, Abba had to have suffered for His Son. - and sent Simon, a Cyrene to help bear Jesus’ cross.  My New American Standard Bible [NASB] does plus it tells how the religious leaders had Him beaten before they sent Him to the Romans, to be killed.  Next Thursday, I’ll list everything both the Priest and Romans did to Jesus, and why.

27:33-56  The Crucifixion:

   

 33-36  [Matthew 27:33-36 NKJV] 33 “And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted [it], He would not drink. 35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it

might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." 36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.”

    #3690 Sour Wine mingled with Gall mean: low-grade, sour wine, given as a cheap painkiller to people condemned to crucifixion. "Apparently Jesus was offered two kinds of wine. The first wine was mixed with gall = bile.  Which He didn’t drink in verse 34. [Yuck].  The second was just the sour wine, for a cheap painkiller.

    37-40  [Matthew 27:37-40 NKJV] 37 “And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. 39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 

40 and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build [it] in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."

  Well, in just these few versus; Jesus Had His closed auctioned off.  Crucified where His forefather, David had killed the Giant with his stone, then cut the giants head off - brought it back to Jerusalem and buried it.  I wonder if the religious leaders or the Romans - thought they shamed Him by this?

  He was also crucified between 2 robbers, who blasphemed Him.

   41-44   [Matthew 27:41-44 NKJV] 41 “Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, 42 "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' " 44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.”

  They sounded just like the twerp, who tried to tempt Jesus to sin, don’t they?  Do you still want to complain, how hard your ministry is?  Do the people listen to you, when you preach the WORD?

  [Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 NKJV] 9 “That which has been [is] what will be, That which [is] done is what will be done, And [there is] nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which it may be said, "See, this [is] new"? It has already been in ancient times before us.”

The very first 7 words are VERY important.  We’re being told, that what was done in the Old Testament [OT], will be repeated in the New Testament.  It might be a little differently, because of the times we’re in - BUT IT WILL BE AGAIN - So read your OT.  Anyone who says it’s just for the Jews is needs to see this verse.

We certainly do not suffer the way Jesus did.  But the Word says that nothing can be done to you, only what was done to Jesus - because there is NOTHING NEW under the sun.  That does not include the advanced technology, which changes almost daily once it’s off the line and at the stores.  Does this match for you?

  [2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12-13 NKJV] 1 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! ... 

    2:12-13 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

This sounds more like what’s going on in the world today.  Another sign that Jesus is coming soon!  The corruption that’s coming out today is unbelievable!  YES the Christians are being persecuted by the twerp.  With sickness, disease.  Their spirits, souls and bodies are being attacked like crazy - BUT HANG IN THERE - LEARN YOUR AUTHORITY - PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD DAILY AND TELL THE TWERP TO KISS OFF!  YOU ARE A BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER AND ABBA HAS PROMISED NEVER TO LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU!  We’re also promised, 

  [Numbers 23:19 NKJV] 19 "God [is] not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”  So TRUST HIM!  It will always help you, IF you read His Word, find the Promises and declare them over you and your families lives.  There are books you can purchase, just for His PROMISES - buy one.  Since Abba IS the same; yesterday, today and forever, don’t believe those who say DO NOT read the OT.  It Doesn’t pertain to US - THEY ARE LIARS.

     45-47 [Matthew 27:45-47 NKJV] 45 “Now from the sixth [12 pm] hour until the ninth [3 pm] hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" 47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard [that], said, "This Man is calling for Elijah!”

We’re told in verse 46, exactly what Jesus said in Hebrew.

  Abba NEVER FORSOOK JESUS and NEVER WILL!  Anymore than Jesus will Forsake US!

   48-50  [Matthew 27:48-50 NKJV] 48 “Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled [it] with sour wine and put [it] on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. 49 The rest said, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him." 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.”

Everyone seemed to have an idea/opinion of what Jesus wanted or who would come to save Jesus, but the word said in:

  Hosea 6:1-3 "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. 2. After two days [2,000 years] he will revive us; on the third day [+1,000] he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. 3. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him.”

The Jews sing a very lively song from this passage. There are 3 reasons why, I brought this Scripture up.

1.  Jesus had to be beaten by the unsaved [Romans & Jews] and crucified, instead of the sinner Barabbas, because Jesus came to save the sinners.

2.  It wasn’t until the 3rd day, when Jesus fulfilled His purpose, that He had the Authority to REDEEM US.  That’s why, in the verse 52 below, the graves were opened for those OT people in Paradise.  [Besides, I think Hell/Paradise was getting a little crowded in the center of the earth.

Watchman Nee, a very famous Pastor/Evangelist said this about WHAT’S UNDER THE EARTH in the Bible;

Question: What does the phrase under the earth in Philippians 2:10 mean? Is it the same as your explanation for 1 Peter 3:19 in the first issue of this magazine? (Wong, Chekiang)

Answer:  Hades (of which Paradise is a part) is under the earth. We have the following verses to prove it: Acts 2:31 compared to Matthew 12:40; Numbers 16:30-33. Tartarus (hell in 2 Pet. 2:4) means the deepest pit. Naturally, it is also under the earth. The bottomless pit is also under the earth (Rev. 9:1-2). So Philippians 2:10 means: that the Lord Jesus is the Lord over everything in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, for there is a spirit world under the earth.

   3.  ACKNOWLEDGE HIM.  Despite what the world says, THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO ENTER HEAVEN!

   51-53  [Matthew 27:51-53 NKJV] 51 “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”

This veil was created, in one piece  so only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the covenant was kept and then, only once a year.  And if hey were not cleansed totally - they died, when ministering the blood onto the Ark.  See Hebrews 9:1-7.

When the veil of the temple was torn, it meant that Abba/Jesus would never be unavailable to the people again.  NOW, by FAITH we can go directly- to God’s Thrown Room to pray and intercede for anyone.  In the OT, this was closed off to all except; Priests, Prophets, Prophetess’.  Another DOOR opened to us, who BELIEVE in Jesus.

  The earth Abba used I believe to shake the people to Believing THIS WAS/IS THE SON OF GOD.

   54-56  [Matthew 27:54-56 NKJV] 54 “So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!" 55 And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and [Salome], the mother of Zebedee's sons.”

The “other” Mary, had the brothers of Jesus, named James and Joses [Matthew 13:55-56]. 

57-66 Jesus Is Buried

   57-60  [Matthew 27:57-60 NKJV] 57 “Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.”

Joseph of Arimathea, is believed to be Jesus’ Uncle, the brother of Mary.  And it was also prophesied, that Jesus would lay in a NEW Tomb - which this one was.

The religious leaders were fearful, that Jesus’ body would be taken, and the followers of Jesus would say “HE HAS RISEN”.  But it didn’t matter what they did JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD, EVEN WITH GUARDS WATCHING OVER IT!

   61-66  [Matthew 27:61-66 NKJV] 61 “And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. 62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation [of Passover], the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, "Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise.' 64 "Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him [away], and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead.' So the last deception will be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go your way, make [it] as secure as you know how." 66  So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.”

Well, what’s the saying?  You can’t keep a GOOD man down?  In Jesus’ case, it’s even harder to keep a PERFECT man down. [hehe].

Both sides were concerned, the religious leaders, were that Jesus would rise from the dead and the Disciples, that they would try to destroy Jesus’ body.  

But Abba had other plans!  PTL 

My Prayer for you today is; “Thank Abba, that many of His Prophets are in agreement for 2019, that the PRODIGALS will be coming home this year and the UNSAVED will be saved by the multitudes; meaning so many, they cannot be counted!”

PRODIGALS it’s so EASY TO RETURN HOME, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BEG, BORROW OR STEAL, Just honestly ask Abba for forgiveness of your sins and accept Jesus back into your HEART.  That’s ALL it takes - IN JESUS’ NAME [IJN].  Then SEEK Fellowship with Him.

SINNERS [which we ALL were] it’s easy for you too.  Just admit to Abba, that you’ve sinned against Him and REPENT of those sins. [Repent meaning to turn away from sin.]. Then ASK Jesus into your HEART - IN JESUS’ NAME.  Then get into a good Bible Believe Church for fellowship - and read the WORD, it’s the daily BREAD we ALL need.  

PRODIGALS / SINNERS - FYI, I’m going to start a shorter series on how to walk with Jesus, after I finish the last Chapter of Matthew, this Thursday.

You can email me at the email address above, with questions.  But, if you use Anonymous, I cannot reply.  But I will NEVER use your name or give out your email, for anyone who sends me a like/dislike/question through the email.  

Your Sister In Christ. 

Sandy F. 

Matthew 26 What’s Jesus Saying To Us?

19-01-13

                                              Matthew 26 What’s Jesus Saying To Us?

                                                                                                                                                                                SF, Stagecoach, NV 

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Prodigals and Unsaved,

     Our lessons in Matthew will always have such topics as; “How To” Live our Lives, Overcome the twerp [enemy], Healings, Miracles, Deliverance and so much more.  Today we’ll learn; and see; The Plot To Kill Jesus, The Precious Ointment, Judas’ Bargain, The Last Passover, The Lord’s Supper Instituted, The Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ Betray and Arrest,  Jesus Before Caiaphas and Judas’ Remorse and Peter’s Denials. 

      So hang in there - Abba [God], wrote this all down, for His Children to have the knowledge we need to get through these crazy days.  Thereby knowing the truth we’re set-free through His VICTORY.  That’s why Jesus, through His Word, reveals to us what His Father [Abba] too Jesus what to say and do, plus understand  what Heaven is like and it will be like on earth E V E N T U A L L Y so we can preach; live a Godly blessed life, overcome the twerp who is controlling the world today.  The world, is the twerp’s playground.  Thankfully if you know your authority, he can’t play with you.

     Sorry, I’m having problems going from MS Word in IBM to a iMac - this is not letting me do the layout I’ve been trying to shorten.  Bear with me please only two more chapters to go.

Verse  NOTE: ALL meanings are from Strong’s Concordance, unless marked otherwise.

                                  Matthew Chapter 26:1-75

:1-5   The Plot To Kill Jesus:

      [Matthew 26:1-2 NKJV] 1 "Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, [that] He said to His disciples, 2 "You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified."       

  At first when I saw these 2 verses, I thought "If I was one of His disciples back then, I probably would have said YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING - WE NEED YOU HERE! But with the next verses you'll see why Jesus told them.

[Matthew 26:3-5 NKJV] 3 "Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill [Him].  5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."

Jesus was just WARNING them - which Abba's been doing for centuries using the Prophets. This is just standard operation for 

them. But, did you notice - that the only ones who were notified of what's going to happen were those who were against Jesus? The people who loved Jesus and believed in Him were excluded. The main purpose for agreement, so who else would they want at their gathering to KILL/CRUCIFY Him. - Would you have agreed? Me neither.
Finally, it's important to note, yes a partial reason not to kill Jesus until AFTER Passover was because the people would "uproar," It was because of the SIGNIFICANCE OF PASSOVER. Passover is a time when the remember they're deliverance from Egypt. When they were in bondage for over 400 years.
And what did Jesus come for:
[Luke 4:18-19 NKJV] 18 "The Spirit of the LORD [is] upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to [the] poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to [the] captives And recovery of sight to [the] blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."
     All of which would AGAIN, set the people FREE from the corruption, only this time, instead of the government - IT IS the Religious zealots, who have bound them in perverted laws, which they themselves did not follow.

:6-13  The Precious Ointment:

       [Matthew 2:6-13 NKJV] 6 " 'But you, Bethlehem, [in] the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found [Him], bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him."

     Another prophecy fulfilled.  Bethlehem, is where Jesus was born.  Herod, the evil king, wanted to know where Jesus was born, so he could kill him and remain the king.  

     I've kept this all together, because all of it refers to the 3 wise men.  The wise men brought gifts.  Did you know when you visit a king - you should bring a gift? I'm sure Abba told these men what to bring - each had a purpose.

     Gold - was to sustain them while they were hidden in Egypt.

     Frankincense & Myrrh.  Egypt was known how the rich women loved perfumes and cosmetics.
     There's times when we hear a word from the Lord and when we pay attention - we don't know why we had to do it.  Joseph when he heard the angel, moved immediately on what He said to do - thank God.  Or Jesus, like the rest of the babies would have been killed, by the twerp.
     Are you aware of the Scripture, that says Abba talks to you at night?  Here it is, and I'm declaring it, for all of us!
          [Job 33:14-16 NKJV] 14 "For God may speak in one way, or in another, [Yet man] does not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, 16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction."

:14-19  Judas’ Bargain:

    [Matthew 26:14-16 NKJV] 14 "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him."

     Judas was chosen by Jesus to be in charge of the money for His ministry.  I'll bet He knew Judas' heart.  One bad apple out of 12 - that would be used to turn on Jesus to the religious men of that day.  The worst part is that Judas didn't just do it for the money, I believe he wanted more finances to steal than what Jesus was getting.  After all, Jesus didn't need money - He just called it into existence  by FAITH.  Now Judas is only going to get 30 pieces of Silver, which was valued approximately between $90 - $3,000.  the twerp would have paid so much more to eliminate Jesus.

   [Matthew 26:17-19 NKJV] 17 "Now on the first [day of the Feast] of Unleavened Bread [Passover] the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?" 18 And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples." ' " 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover."

     Notice, they're not even in the town yet - and Jesus knew how and where they'll have their Passover - without a telephone, computer or any bird-delivery - haha.  Truly, He had to see it in the Spirit, or told by Abba.  How else would he know about the man and what they should say?

     

:20-25 The Last Passover:

   [Matthew 26:20-25 NKJV] 20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?" 23 He answered and said, "He who dipped [his] hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." 25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it [yourself]."

     That little stinker knew he sold Jesus out, but he didn't want the others to know - they might have killed him.

     Have you ever read what Jesus really went through in His life, just for you?  It's all in Isaiah 53:2-7 so when you take communion, keep KEEP THIS IS IN MIND, IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM!

:26-35  The Lord’s Supper Instituted:

    [Matthew 26:26-35 NKJV] 26 "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke [it], and gave [it] to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' 32 "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." 33 Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." 34 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 35 Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And so said all the disciples."

     Jesus let the disciples know, that the "Bread" they were going to eat represented HIS BODY.  Then told them, that when they drank from the cup it represented HIS BLOOD.  That both represented a New Covenant between Abba and them for the people of their day.
     He didn't abolish the old covenant given to the Jews - but gave us a better one.  Jewish religion never FORGIVEN THEIR SINS based on animal sacrifices.  Yet, Christians are cleansed of all sin today.
          [John 10:10 NKJV] "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly." 
          [Hebrews 8:12 NKJV] "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
     Many times in the Bible it says, that He stands at the door waiting for the prodigal or unsaved to open and invite Him in.  Repentance of your sins - FORGIVES them ALL!  It's also why Jesus said to do this OFTEN, in remembrance of Him.  In this world daily, we are attacked, mentally and figuratively to just go with the flow.  The flow is not of Abba - so when you know you've sinned against Abba, ask Him for forgiveness - it wipes them away - and He remembers them no more.
          And we think we have it bad sometimes.  In Verse 31, it says that the Lord will strike the Shepherds and their flock will be scattered.  Since our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, this has happened both yesterday and today.  Pastors who are not following/teaching the Word of God, but decide what the people need - they will loose their flock and many will remain unsaved [like the Days of Moses].  Then the disciples said - they would not fail Jesus - as mankind does.  Then they hid in the upper room waiting for Jesus to rise from His tomb.  
          Keep in mind, it took not just Jesus' birth and life, but His death and resurrection too.  He had 30 years of training and 3 1/2 years to accomplish it ALL!  WHAT A GOD WE SERVE!
          You can ALWAY trust His "Assuredlies" they NEVER FAIL to come to pass.

:36-46  The Garden of Gethsemane:
    [Matthew 26:36-38 NKJV] 36 "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me."

          I really don't know who the 3 of them were watching for?  Could it be, Out of the darkness He reached a hand to feel for the grasp of a friend, and piteously asks these humble lovers to stay beside Him, not that they could help Him to bear the weight, but that their presence had some solace in it. His agony must be endured alone, therefore He bade them tarry there; but He desired to have them at hand, therefore He went but ‘a little forward.’ They could not bear it with Him, but they could ‘watch with’ Him, and that poor comfort is all He asks.  They were, no doubt, awed into silence, as the truest sympathy is used to be, in the presence of a great grief?

     [Matthew 26:39 NKJV] "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You [will]."

          How many of us are willing to accept a "NO" from Abba?  Or maybe it's the way He manifested it?  No, does not mean you are not worthy, but that He has a better plan and way - that we do not see - but He does.  So get depressed when something doesn't happen your way.

   [Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV] 40 "Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak." 

     Jesus' spirit was willing to obey Abba, but He was in the flesh - and Jesus knew how hard it would be, not to give in to the world, because IF He didn't complete, what was going to take to place, the crucification.  There would be no hope for us today.

   [Matthew 26:42-46 NKJV] 42 "Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are [you] still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 "Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand."

          Jesus knew the time and hour they were coming for Him, that's why He prayed to Abba.  He needed strength and comfort to get through it in the flesh - and of course now He was ready to fulfill His purpose on earth.  He's not running away now - but running to the completion of His work.

          That's why you should NEVER trust anyone, who says they are the Christ.  No human could accomplish what Jesus did in the flesh. - NO NOT ONE!

:47-56  Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest:

    [Matthew 26:47-49 NKJV] 47 "And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him." 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him."

          This was done so quickly, there was no more time for Jesus to dwell on what's going to happen.  Taking Jesus into custody was done 1-2-3.
   [Matthew 26:50-54 NKJV] 50 "But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those [who were] with Jesus stretched out [his] hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 "Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 "How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?"
          Jesus was so pure, He showed there was not hate in Him, when he called Judas "His friend"  He even let Judas kiss Him, knowing he was turning Jesus in for His Crucifixion to die.  Many people think Peter is the one who stuck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear - but the Word just says it was one of His disciples.  In any case, Jesus stopped him, because violence wasn't the answer.  No the only answer for Jesus was to go through what He committed Himself to do - save Abba's Children.  Even though Jesus could have easily prayed down 12 legions [approximately 5,000 in a legion].  That's perhaps 70,000 Angels coming down on them.  The Word also says, 1 angel could kill 125,000 men.  That many legions would have been a little over kill - ya think?
   [Matthew 26:55-56 NKJV] 55 "In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 "But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled."
          The Bible is NEVER wrong - what it said would happen - WILL HAPPEN - Abba's plan is always perfect!  No matter what the twerp's plans are.

:57-68  Jesus Before Caiaphas and Judas’ Remorse:

    [Matthew 26:57-58 NKJV] 57 "And those who had laid hold of Jesus led [Him] away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end."

          Verse 56 the disciples ALL fled but did all run away? No, Peter might have hid from the the religious zealots, but when he could, he followed at a distance to know where the were taking Jesus.  Then blended in so he could see what the end would be.

:69-75 Peter’s Denials: 

    [Matthew 26:59-64 NKJV] 59 "Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, "This [fellow] said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.' " 62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What [is it] these men testify against You?" 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" 64 Jesus said to him, "[It is as] you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."

           Thankfully, there was hope for Religious Zealots, when they were still breathing - but they're NOT! - PTL!
           Now, my favorite passage Luke 6:38-39 will go into affect.  But as we all know - it's in the Lord's hands now.
           I do like the part, where Jesus tells them - Nevertheless - THIS WILL BE: [the rats] will see Him, as the Son of Man and He'll be sitting at the right hand of the Power of Heaven, and they'll see Him coming in the clouds from Heaven. Yippee as my 5th sister Deb says, that's the rapture/gathering!  Yes, they'll see Him coming!
          In other words, Jesus said; just remember, what you do to me now, is unjust and - I'll be your judge after death - could you hear them groan, still unsure if Jesus is the Messiah, and if He is - they're in BIG trouble!  AMEN!
          Why do people always think they can get away with anything?  Abba keeps a book of Remembrance for he ungodly and Jesus is always with Abba's Children.  He's with you; when you cuss, use His name in vain, use drugs or alcohol whatever - He knows YOU.
          Yet, "Abba so LOVED the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever shall believe on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life" and when they REPENT - ALL their sins are forgiven!  No one on earth can love you that much.

     [Matthew 26:65-68 NKJV] 65 "Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 "What do you think?" They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." 67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck [Him] with the palms of their hands, 68 saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?" 

          Jesus knew this and much more would be done to Him, thankfully - He did what we're told to do "Seek FIRST HIS KINGDOM - and He did that when He prayed at Gethsemane.

          [Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV] 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day [is] its own trouble."

          Yes brothers and Sisters - don't get overloaded by the twerp - it's a nasty trick he plays to get us sick or so overwhelmed we give up.  We're told to deal with ONLY TODAY - tomorrow, worry about tomorrow.

     

     [Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV] 69 "Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." 70 But he denied it before [them] all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another [girl] saw him and said to those [who were] there, "This [fellow] also was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are [one] of them, for your speech betrays you." 74 Then he began to curse and swear, [saying], "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly."

          The last thing Peter wanted to do in the flesh, was deny Christ EVER.  Yet when Jesus says Assuredly, it's going to happen - WHY?  Because Jesus is speaking from the Spirit and he's speaking from the FLESH.

          Did you know, we are made of Spirt, Soul and Body?  The Spirit is not fully activated until we accept Jesus.  The Soul is your "old man," which is why it must be renewed.  Your Body, stays in constant rebellion -always be obeyed by you and now has to take a back set to the Spirit and Soul.  That's 2-1 odds.  Nobody likes to be ignored, let alone loose their place/power in society.

          [Matthew 19:26 NKJV] "But Jesus looked at [them] and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

          So don't beat yourself up when you miss the mark - Jesus knows how hard living in the flesh can be for us. And the LOVE of JESUS and ABBA - covers a multitude of sins. - So repent and ask the Holy Spirit for the additional help you may need.

     Tonight I simply pray that you will forgive me for the length of this blog, after you finish reading it.  Now there are only 2 more to go - and believe it or not, these have taken me 8+ hours for each chapter - So I'll be as happy as you to finish them too.

Blessings Sandy F.

The Lord's Servant