Tag: Scripture fulfilled
Scripture must be fulfilled
Scripture reading for August 3rd: Matthew 26
Key Scriptures: Matthew 26:49-56 “And he (Judas) came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed Him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture Me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.”
Judas had arranged to lead the temple guards and high priest’s servants to where he knew Jesus would be praying with His disciples. He came early in the morning and greeted Jesus with a kiss, betraying his Friend as Scripture pronounced. (Psalm 41:9) Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear but Jesus quickly told him to put the sword away. Jesus had power to bring angelic help, but Scripture must be fulfilled (Isaiah 53 and many others). Jesus healed the ear and questioned the crowd about their motive for being there in the dark of night. He had publicly taught in temple each day. But again, scripture must be fulfilled through the events taking place leading up to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, Son of God and King of the Jews. At this point, all the disciples fled, following Jesus telling those laying hands on Him to let them go! Jesus was in charge and God’s Word would be fulfilled to the last letter!
Luke 22:50-51 “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And He touched his ear and healed him.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for Scripture and its sure fulfilment. Thank You that Jesus did not call to You for help, but allowed Himself to be seized and tried and crucified, according to Your Word and plan. Thank You for mercy towards Your accusers and betrayers and protection for Your faithful disciples. Help me to follow Your amazing example and be filled daily with Your Holy Spirit.
John 18:7-9 “So He asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He. So, if you seek Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfil the Word that He had spoken: “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost not one.””
“It is Finished!”
Scripture reading for May 2nd: John 19
Key Scriptures for over-comers: John 19:28-30 “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
Jesus had been on the cross for about six hours, the last three in darkness that had come over the land. His body was dehydrated but He was fully conscious and knew that His work was done. He knew that nearly everything in Scripture had been fulfilled concerning His life and sacrificial death. The one thing remaining was the wine vinegar! (Psalm 69:21) He cried out that He was thirsty, and the drink was provided. One last bitter drink, and the cup of suffering for our sins was complete! Jesus last words, “It is finished!”, were a cry of victory in completing the suffering and death necessary for salvation!
Observations for over-comers: Because Jesus fulfilled Scripture and completed the work of salvation, over-comers can rest in that work and live a life of thankful service and look forward to the King’s return in power and glory! “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s Right Hand is lifted high; the Lord’s Right Hand has done mighty things!” “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” (Psalm 118:15-17) (Psalm that was likely sung as they left the upper room for the Garden of Gethsemane.)
Fulfillment of Scripture!
Scripture reading for February 10th: Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 30, Proverbs 8:27-32
“Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” ” Matthew 26:50b-54)
Immediately after Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, the soldiers and religious leaders stepped forward and arrested Jesus. Peter reacted boldly by drawing his sword and nearly did away with a man, cutting off his ear. Luke records that Jesus touched this servant’s ear and healed him immediately. (Luke 22:51) Jesus rebuked his disciple, telling him to put the sword away. Jesus assured Peter and the others that He had the power and ability to call for angelic help at any time. However, Jesus had spent the night in prayer and had wrestled through his own fears and desire to have the cup of sin and suffering removed. He had submitted to God’s will. (Matthew 26:36-39) How else would the Scriptures be fulfilled? Jesus was the “Word” made flesh and honored His Father by keeping and fulfilling the sacred and holy Scriptures. (John 1:14)
After addressing the crowd there in the Garden and rebuking those who came at night to arrest Him, He finished by telling them all that “this all had taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (Matthew 26:56) Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12) Zechariah 13:7 is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 26:31, concerning striking the shepherd and the sheep being scattered. False witnesses were brought to accuse Him. (Psalm 27:12, 35:11) Jesus was to be offered as the sacrifice for our sins, remaining silent before those who accused Him. (Isaiah 53:4-12) He would be given a grave with the rich in His death. He would be resurrected–seeing the light of life! He would bear the sins of many and be numbered with the transgressors! Scripture must be fulfilled!
Aren’t you thankful that Jesus did not call the legions of angels? Take time today to thank Him for His faithfulness!