Matthew 27
Bible Passage: Matthew 27
Several reminders in today’s chapter:
SELF CONTROL
Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.
This serves as a reminder to me to control myself, my emotions and most importantly my temper when faced with unpleasant issues.
Yesterday I almost had a heated row with a good friend/colleague. I was thankful that I read this chapter beforehand before things got ugly. It was a timely reminder to me of Jesus who exercised total self control and kept silent when thrown with accusations. I was partly at fault and all the more I have to bite back my retorts, rein in my emotions and apologise for my mistake, even though I was so reluctant.
I have much to learn from Jesus Himself to exercise self restraint and control my emotions.
PEER PRESSURE
The people pressurised Pilate to crucify Jesus and Pilate gave in despite knowing what is right. It is easy to condemn Pilate for not doing the right thing but is this attitude reflected in us as well? Are we easily swayed by the majority?
Pilate had to give the people what they wanted to please them and protect his authority.
Today, in order to maintain popularity among our friends, co-workers or even members, do we also give in and fail to do what is right in the eyes of our Lord?
COMFORT
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?”
This verse serves as a great comfort to me. Jesus, at His darkest moment felt that God has forsaken Him and left Him to suffer on the cross. Jesus, who was in the flesh, also felt helpless and afraid, just like we do when we meet with trials and sufferings. Despite the pain and ridicule He went through, Jesus emerged victorious. Similarly, when we endure to the end and hold fast to our faith, we will also be triumphant and be with Him for eternity.
We are nearing the end of Matthew and while most of us might have read it countless of times, it serves as a great reminder of God’s grace which we often forget or take for granted.
3 Comments
appleofHiseye
Today’s sharing was a nice summary of some weaknesses that I am still struggling with:
1. Lack of self-control
2. Conforming to peer pressure
3. Forgetting the grace of God
…the list goes on.
Thank you for sharing your testimony InHisTime, I can relate to you too as I do lose it at times.
kepha
Very nicely put. Love it.
PS
When i have a chance to meet Matthew, i would like to ask him to explain Matthew 27:52-53.
i read it repeatedly but don’t understand what Matthew meant.
Matthew 27:52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;
Matthew 27:53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
When were the saints raised? immediately after the veil was torn into two (Matthew 27:52).
When did they come out of their graves? After His resurrection (Matthew 27:53), ie on the third day.
Where were the raised saints during the 3 days? In the graves?
May be they were fighting along side Lord Jesus against Satan during the 3 days.
How did Matthew know that these people roaming in Jerusalem were saints?
Sigh, i really don’t understand Matthew 27:52-53. The bible is the word of God. Although there are many many verses which i don’t understand, i pray and trust that the Holy Spirit will lead me into sufficient understanding of His word and keep me in the grace of salvation till Lord Jesus comes again.
(Did any Sadducee see the saints? Was the Sadducee dumbfounded? i wonder.)