Matthew 26

Bible Passage:  Matthew 26

Things move pretty quickly from here.

We read about how the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus by trickery and their ‘prayers’ were answered when Judas decided to betray Jesus.  Then at the house of Simon the Leper, a woman did a wonderful thing for the Lord.

This was followed by the institution of the Lord’s supper and subsequent announcement of Peter’s denial.  Despite the strong protests of Peter, this proved true.  But before that, Jesus had to suffer more disappointment with His disciples as they could not watch and pray along with Him in His greatest hour of need.

Jesus was sold out and so it began…. the last hours of Jesus….

What Do We Want to Be Remembered For?

There are many things that I would liked to be remembered for.  But what will I be actually remembered for?

Sometimes the things you think that the people will most remember about you are completely wrong.  The qualities you think you have – are not evident to others and they do not even associate those qualities with you.  But they remember many things about you – and sometimes, those things are the things that make you cringe and wonder…. “Am I really like that?”  or “Did I really react that way?”

In reading today’s passage, my mind kept drifting back to ….

“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” ~ Matthew 26:13

These words were spoken by Jesus about the woman who anointed Jesus with the alabaster flask of very costly ointment.

And indeed it is true.  Up to now, we are still talking about this woman… and this story is told all over the world.

This was indeed a wonderful thing to be remembered for.

But this was in stark contrast with the other characters in this same chapter.  We read about them even up to today. Their stories are being told time and time again.  They were remembered for all the wrong reasons….

• The chief priests, scribes, elders of the people and high priest, Caiaphas – Jealousy and hatred blinded them so much that they were willing to resort to trickery and bribery to achieve their goal
• Judas Iscariot – His name is synonymous with betrayal.  “30 pieces of silver.”  “Betrayed with a kiss”.  His greed and lost of faith in Jesus resulted in one of the greatest act of selling out someone for personal gain and belief.
• Peter the rock – Even though he is remembered for many good things, there will always be one stigma in his life … his bold declaration that he will never deny Christ and yet… at the probing of two girls and some strangers… he denied ever knowing Jesus.
• The Disciples Closest to Jesus – Peter, James and John – The core team.  The inner circle.  The privileged ones.  Whatever you call them… they will also often be remembered for the disciples that fell asleep at the critical moment when the Lord needed them most.

What about you?  What do you want to be remembered for?

What comes to mind when the following names are given to you (my answers in brackets)

• Abraham (father of faith, friend of God)
• Paul (faith, trust, bond servant of Christ)
• Peter (rock, he who walked on water too)
• James and John (sons of thunder)
• Moses (great leader, meekest man)
• Noah – (faith)
• David (a man after God’s own heart)
• Jonathon (a faithful friend)

By faith, Abraham trusted God for a child and believed that God will provide
By faith, Noah built the ark even when there was never ever any rain
By faith, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea
By faith, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water
By faith, Joseph took Mary as his wife

So what would I like to be remembered for?

Just think about it today….

How will I finish this sentence….

“By faith, <insert your name>  ….”