Wednesday 16 Mar 2022

March 16: Matthew 20:17-19

Key Verse: Matthew 20:18
We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death

Devotion:
Have you ever faced a certain end? I’m not talking about facing a certain death, but any outcome which was certain to happen… We tend to over-react when things are not going well and many of us will only see the negative outcome ahead; if you are of a more optimistic outlook, then you may see the hope you have in a positive outcome and aim for that goal instead of the horrors which can await you.

Sometimes we are faced with very difficult decisions to make because we are facing outcomes which are bad on all fronts. But, ever the optimist, I will always try to see the way forward which gives me the most hope; and, yes, I know that can be annoying to others people who don’t get to see the hope I see in most things, but there is always hope.

Jesus outlined the terrible things He was going to have to face. He knew this was all going to happen in Jerusalem, yet He still wanted to go there – knowing this was the way forward which would bring the hope we need in our lives. He knew of the terrible things he would have to face, but he also knew of the terrible things which we faced if He did not step forward! That is the love He has for us – He stepped forward knowing what He was facing!

He knew He would be raised from the terrible death He was facing. He knew this was the way He could be our perfect sacrifice so we would not have to carry on making sacrifices for ever sin we committed. But, in order for Him to be our perfect and final sacrifice, we do have to step forward with humble and contrite hearts, admitting to the sins we have done and asking Christ to be our Saviour to cover those sins with His blood.

Points to Ponder:
Do you face any horrible things in your life at the moment?

Will you admit them to Christ and ask Him to intervene on your behalf?