Matthew 26:20-25
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage is the beginning of Jesus’ last meal with his closest followers. As you read Matthew 26:20-25, try to approach the story as if it was the first time you had heard it and take note of anything that stands out.
The disciples have just begun to eat the Passover meal with Jesus when he drops a bombshell: “One of you will betray me.” For these followers of Jesus who have lived in close proximity with each other for the past three years, this is a truly alarming statement. Each of them quickly takes stock to see if they might the one who has been so blind to their own motives that they may actually turn on Jesus.
Even Judas, who has already set his betrayal of Jesus in motion, asks, “…am I the one?”
Could it be that Judas does not realize that his agreement with the chief priests is rooted in false and evil motives? Or could it be that Judas doesn’t believe that Jesus could possibly know what he has done? If either possibility is true, Judas has failed to understand who Jesus really is.
It is good from time to time to return to this most basic question: “Who do I say that Jesus is?” Take some time to contemplate the question and then share your unvarnished, honest answers with Jesus.
Read Matthew 26:20-25 again.
If a person went through life and never recognized the Source of life, it would be better to have never have lived at all. We each have one earthly life and we can either chose to pursue our own self-focused agenda of self-preservation or self-satisfaction, or we can choose to surrender to Jesus’ life-giving but upside-down Kingdom-of-God agenda. The first choice results in a kind of living death in which we never reach higher than our own reality. The second choice opens a new vista of reality that is boundless and bountiful beyond measure.
Get quiet for a moment and become still and centered on Jesus. Picture yourself stepping into an unknown space while Jesus stands on the other side inviting you to surrender. Stay with this image for a while and speak openly with Jesus being sure to listen to him as well.
What is Jesus inviting you to do today?
Will you?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
