Matthew 26:30-35
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.
To give us context, we’ll start today with the last words from the previous passage. Read Matthew 26:30-35 noting Jesus’ demeanor.
Jesus doesn’t seem agitated in this passage; he simply states a fact and then gives the Scriptural backing for his prediction. “…all of you will desert me.” These disciples, who have been Jesus’ closest followers and partners in ministry, will, to a person, leave him completely alone in his time of need. But rather than try to shame or reprimand them, Jesus follows up this sad fact with grace-laden instructions: “After I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you…and meet you there.”
Sit with this for a moment or two. Jesus knows that he will be abandoned, but he calls the very ones who will desert him to reunite with him after his cosmic ordeal is over.
Think about times you have forgotten about or abandoned Jesus. How has Jesus gone ahead of you and met you on the other side? Talk with Jesus about this saying everything that is on your heart and mind.
Read Matthew 26:30-35 again trying to imagine the complex emotions of the disciples.
All of the disciples recoil in disbelief at Jesus’ words, and Peter simply gives voice to what the others are thinking. They have given their lives to this leader and, as best they can understand, they believe him to be the Messiah. The part they are still unclear on is their own poverty of spirit. They cannot follow Jesus where he is going, and they cannot change the outcome of the horrific events that are unfolding. Apart from Jesus they are powerless.
Their only hope lies in this promise: “After I have been raised from the dead…”
The death of Jesus will empty evil of its power to enslave humanity, but it is the resurrection of Jesus will burst the barrier between God and people. Jesus’ defeat of death will make true life in God’s Kingdom possible for anyone who believes.
Return to these familiar words of Jesus below - this time from the Amplified Bible - and let them sink into your soul:
“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].” Matthew 5:3, AMP
What is Jesus saying to you today through this time of meditation?
What will you do about it?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
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.
