Tag: Matthew 26:24-46
My appointed time is near!
Scripture reading for February 9th: Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 29, Proverbs 8:14-26
Jesus was in total control and had full understanding of what would happen. Judas had already gone to the chief priests and inquired of what they would be willing to give him for handing Jesus over. The agreed upon price was thirty silver coins. ( Zechariah wrote about this about 500 years earlier in Zechariah 11:12)
Jesus instructed the disciples to go and prepare a place for the Passover meal. He told them to tell a certain man that His appointed time was near and He wanted to celebrate the Passover at his house. Evidently this man would understand what that meant. Jesus knew He had an appointment to keep. He was going to be the final Passover sacrifice for the sins of the world.
At the Passover meal, Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him. (Matthew 26:20-31) He then identified Judas as that very one when Judas asked if it was himself. I believe that Jesus was trying His very best to give Judas the opportunity to repent of his reprehensible deed. What mercy our Lord showed toward one who would betray Him!
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29) Jesus was again teaching His disciples about the nature of His coming death. He would give His body to be beaten, bruised, and crucified for their sake, as well as for all mankind. Jesus would give His blood as a covenant with those who would believe on Him for the forgiveness of their sins. This cup would be His final cup with them until the fullness of the Father’s Kingdom came.
Today we know that the appointed time of Jesus’ return is near. We must be fully trusting in His broken body and shed blood as our only hope of eternal salvation. Are you ready to drink this cup with Jesus in the Father’s kingdom?