IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Jesus Relied on Scripture and Prayer

Date: Mar. 22, 2016

Passage

Matthew 26:31-56  (ESV)

31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away 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 am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 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. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 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. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 26:56a

But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

First, our Lord's sources of strength (31-46). Jesus relied on the word of God. The disciples were as sincere as they could be when they all said that they were willing to die with the Lord. However, Jesus knew that according to scripture they would scatter when his time came. He accepted what scripture said and planted hope in their hearts by promising to meet them in Galilee after he had risen from the dead. Jesus also depended on prayer. Even though the disciples were overcome with sleep, Jesus struggled three times in prayer. Through prayer he was able to accept the will of God and gain the strength he needed to face the tremendous sufferings that would follow.

Second, Jesus was betrayed and arrested (47-56). Our Lord's suffering began with a kiss of betrayal. Although Judas came with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, it was only by Jesus' authority and permission that they were able to arrest him. Our King, who has legions of angels at his command, submitted himself willingly so that all the prophecies about him might be fulfilled. One of the disciples tried to defend Jesus with his sword, but Jesus would have nothing to do with it. He trusted the plan and will of God.

Prayer: Father, help us to accept your will like Jesus

One Word: Jesus fulfilled the word of God

Daily Bread

Jacob and Rebekah Deceive Isaac

Genesis 27:1-29

Key Verse: 27:19

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

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Intro Daily

Today's Question

How is the word to be read and heard in order to become effective for salvation?

See answer and references