Devotions for 2nd Week of Lent
Read Matthew 26:47-68
What is betrayal? How is it different from being hurt by someone you know doesn’t like you? Consider Psalm 41:7-10; Psalm 69:6-9; Psalm 55:12-15. Pray these in full confidence that Christ prayed these.
Consider and speak about what Judas saw and heard in His time with Christ.
How should we be humbled and warned by the fall of Judas?
Johann Gerhard, a 16th century Lutheran pastor wrote this, “We should earnestly petition God that He would take our salvation out of our hands and take it into His own hands, just as He as promised in Isaiah 49, “I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.”
How dangerous is greed? How are you tempted toward greed? If greed fills our heart, what room is left for Christ? If Christ fills our hearts, what room is left for greed?
Notice the great power the comes with Judas (swords and clubs and soldiers). How do powerful kingdom and groups still come against Christ and His Church?
Why does Judas bring such power against a mostly unarmed, peaceful, small group?
Can great power uproot Christ’s Church and His reign? Read Psalm 2; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:16-23.
Why a kiss to betray Jesus? Can evil things be done with outward loving appearances?
How willing is Christ to go with the soldiers? What power does He have behind Him to stop this at any moment? Matthew 26:53-54, John 18:4-9.
O Lord Jesus Christ, You who willingly gave Yourself up into the hands of Your enemies in order to atone for my disobedience. Help me, so that I give myself to You with my whole heart to live, suffer, and die according to Your will. Amen.
Johann Gerhard writes, “one time the disciples are too courageous, the next time they are too despairing. The disciples initially wanted to defend the Lord with the sword, but later forsook Him and fled.”
We thank God we have police and armies. How are they to use the sword?
How can we help them use that appropriately? Are we, as Christians, free to serve in any of the armed forces and defend our families from outside danger (answer: yes!) Read Romans 13:1-7; Luke 22:38
What other sword is there in the world? This is something all Christians have, not just those who serve in the armed forces. Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Cor. 10:1-6
Why is Christ fulfilling the Scriptures? How is Christ fulfilling the Scriptures? If they are fulfilled, what is left for you to do?
O Lord Jesus Christ, You who at the time of Your suffering were forsaken by all Your disciples, let this redound for comfort and help to me, a poor sinner, who has so frequently fled from You until now. Unite my heart with Yours so that from henceforth I nevermore forsake You. Amen.
We know that Jesus was bound when He was led away (John 18:12). Read Judges 15 and consider why Samson allowed himself to be bound. Rejoice in what Christ is doing in allowing Himself to be bound. You were bound in sin and death, Jesus set you free.
Read Psalm 116:1-4. Do a search in a concordance of Bible search engines for words like snare, bound, slave, captive one the one hand and freedom, release, set free, son or daughter, loose, key on the other hand.
As much of the suffering of Christ is a courtroom-like scene, imagine you in a courtroom, the devil is bringing all the evidence of your sin to the judge, but your defense attorney is Christ. He pleads with the Judge for your pardon based on His innocent suffering and the judgments that were already placed on Him.
What are some reasons Christ remained silent when He was accused? Who is He answering for? Read Romans 3:19 and 2 Cor. 5:21. How does Christ fulfill His own words in Matthew 5:38-40?
O Lord Jesus Christ, You who were bound on account of my sin, free me from the bonds of sin and eternal death. You who were disgracefully slapped in the face, protect me from the eternal disgrace and from the blows of the Devil. Give me a patient heart to suffer all wrongs with patience. Amen.