Trusting God in the Dark
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Psalm 136: His Mercy Endures Forever!
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Zambian President Criticizes America
Dennis Edwards: "And the ten horns which...are ten kings, have received no kingdom as yet;...These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast (the Antichrist)....These shall hate the whore (the financial world capitalistic empire), and shall make her desilate and naked, and shall burn her with fire." Revelation 17.
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Thursday, April 6, 2023
Jesus Steadfastly Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem
Dennis Edwards
Mark 9:2 & 4; 7-10; 31-32. “And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John, and leads them up into a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them…And there appeared unto them Elias and Moses: and they were talking with Jesus…And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one another what the rising from the dead should mean.”
The incident of Peter rebuking Jesus had happened just before the transfiguration event. Obviously, Peter didn’t have the same vision for the Messiah as Jesus had. Let’s review the words from Matthew 16:21-23.
“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan, thou are an offense unto me: for thou savours not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
Matthew’s description of the transfiguration event gives the same information as Mark. We are going to look at the same account in Luke and see if there is any more information given.
Luke 9:21-22, 28, 30-31. “And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing (that he was the Christ of God); Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day…And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray…And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias; who appeared in glory, and spoke of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”
Here is a key point. Moses and Elias have given Jesus more detailed information about what is to take place in Jerusalem. Jesus knew ahead of time what was going to happen.
Luke 9: 43b-45, 51-56. And Jesus said unto his disciples, Let these saying sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying. …And it came to pass when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into the village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, will thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”
Why were the disciples asking if they should send fire down from heaven? Because they didn’t understand Jesus’ mission. They expected the Messiah to come as a conquering victor. They knew many of the Old Testament prophecy about his coming. Let’s look at Psalm 2.
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
We see that the disciples had a totally different view of what was to take place. The Messiah to them was to vanquish their enemies and bring back the kingdom to Israel and the mountain of the Lord’s house would spread forth from Jerusalem. What they thought was the first coming, we know is the second coming.
But as they come down from Mount Tabor and the transfiguration event, James and John ask Jesus a strange question. Let’s read from Mark 10:32. “And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.
It seems like it is saying here that Jesus is leading the way to Jerusalem. The disciples are amazed and wondering what will happen, in fact, they are afraid.
Mark 10:33-50 And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
We see again that the disciples thought that Jesus was getting ready to set up his kingdom. They thought he would use his power to destroy their enemies. James and John wanted to sit at Jesus’ right hand and left hand. If we understand the disciples’ concept of the coming Messiah, we can understand their seemingly strange question. They thought the time had come to re-establish the kingdom to Israel.
They are travelling down from Mount Tabor towards Jerusalem and the next place they arrive at is Jericho.
But as they come down from Mount Tabor and the transfiguration event, James and John ask Jesus a strange question. Let’s read from Mark 10:32. “And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.
It seems like it is saying here that Jesus is leading the way to Jerusalem. The disciples are amazed and wondering what will happen, in fact, they are afraid.
Mark 10:33-50 And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
We see again that the disciples thought that Jesus was getting ready to set up his kingdom. They thought he would use his power to destroy their enemies. James and John wanted to sit at Jesus’ right hand and left hand. If we understand the disciples’ concept of the coming Messiah, we can understand their seemingly strange question. They thought the time had come to re-establish the kingdom to Israel.
They are travelling down from Mount Tabor towards Jerusalem and the next place they arrive at is Jericho.
Mark 10: 46, 51-52. And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging…And Jesus answered and said unto him, What will thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him; Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith has made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
Blind Bartimaeus gets heals and then follows Jesus in the way. Remember that Jerusalem is just 25 km from Jericho. If we go back to Luke’s description, we see it is the same, which we are not going to bother to read. Luke 18:31-35.
In Luke 19 Jesus passes through Jericho and that’s where he meets Zacchaeus the rich publican. Jesus stops to stay at his house. In Luke 19:9-11 we read, “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”
Jesus then tells the parable of the talents and about the blessings that those who are faithful to invest their talents will receive. He’s trying to get them to understand that the kingdom is not coming into existence immediately.
Luke 19:28-30, 35-38. When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here… Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
The crowd is not just the twelve disciples but all the group of people that followed Jesus. Maybe the seventy, and the woman that ministered unto to him, and Blind Bartimaeus, a hundred and twenty, and others. As he made the entrance on the donkey into Jerusalem, the followers of Jesus may have been thinking of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9-10.
Blind Bartimaeus gets heals and then follows Jesus in the way. Remember that Jerusalem is just 25 km from Jericho. If we go back to Luke’s description, we see it is the same, which we are not going to bother to read. Luke 18:31-35.
In Luke 19 Jesus passes through Jericho and that’s where he meets Zacchaeus the rich publican. Jesus stops to stay at his house. In Luke 19:9-11 we read, “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”
Jesus then tells the parable of the talents and about the blessings that those who are faithful to invest their talents will receive. He’s trying to get them to understand that the kingdom is not coming into existence immediately.
Luke 19:28-30, 35-38. When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here… Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
The crowd is not just the twelve disciples but all the group of people that followed Jesus. Maybe the seventy, and the woman that ministered unto to him, and Blind Bartimaeus, a hundred and twenty, and others. As he made the entrance on the donkey into Jerusalem, the followers of Jesus may have been thinking of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9-10.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.’
The disciples were thinking that Jesus is the Messiah and he is going to set up his kingdom now. Even after his resurrection before he ascends to heaven, they ask him again. Acts 1:6. “When they therefore were come together, they asked him, saying, will thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
The disciples were thinking that Jesus is the Messiah and he is going to set up his kingdom now. Even after his resurrection before he ascends to heaven, they ask him again. Acts 1:6. “When they therefore were come together, they asked him, saying, will thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus responds to them, Acts 1:7-8, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own hands. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
That’s our job right up until the end, to be witnesses for Jesus, both in our home, our neighbourhood, and country and even into the whole world. Therefore, we see Jesus enters into Jerusalem triumphantly with his followers who do not understand his mission and how it is to be accomplished.
Mark 14:1, 3-8, 10-11. “After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death…And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She has wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She has done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying…And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money, And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.”
We see the same story in John 12:1-8. Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
John 12:9-13. Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
We see Jesus had stayed in Bethany before the triumphant entry into Jerusalem occurred. But shortly after the glorious entry Jesus makes a shocking announcement. His disciples were asking him to meet with some Greek men who wanted to know him. Jesus completely ignores them, because he had received a message from his Father that his hour had come.
John 12:23-27. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
We see that Jesus had recently healed Lazarus not long before making his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people must have been elated. The Messiah had raised a man who had been dead for four days. Now he’s entering into Jerusalem. Will he at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
Jesus had stayed in Bethany before riding inro Jerusalem on a donkey. Now he was in Jerusalem. Things would start moving forward quickly. He has the Passover meal with his disciples. After the meal they sing a hymn and go out to rest the night on the mount of Olives. Peter promises Jesus that he won’t deny him, though Jesus assures him that he will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asks his disciples to sit and wait while he prays.
Luke 22:39-43. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Where else do angels come and minister to him? Matthew 4:11. “Then the devil leaves him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” When you are going through your toughest battle, prayer desperately and God will send an angel to strengthen you.
Luke 22:44-54. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, Do you betray the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Please don’t follow Jesus from a far off. We may end up denying him like Peter did, if we do.
Let’s read a bit in Matthew 26:38-44. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he comes unto the disciples, and finds them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Jesus is persevering unto the end. John gives us all those beautiful chapters of Jesus last moments with his disciples before his death. John 17 is Jesus’ beautiful prayer to his Father for his disciples.
John 18:1-12. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Of them which thou gave me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him.
The same Jesus who had seemed so weak and sorrowful to the point of death just a few moments earlier, had fought the good fight and had laid hold on eternal life and had defeated the Evil One. God had sent an angel to minister unto to him. That Jesus, who had sweat blood in despair and anguish, now came forth in the power of the spirit to confront his adversaries fearlessly. He didn’t flinch for a moment. He submitted to the Father unconditionally and fulfilled his purpose.
That’s our job right up until the end, to be witnesses for Jesus, both in our home, our neighbourhood, and country and even into the whole world. Therefore, we see Jesus enters into Jerusalem triumphantly with his followers who do not understand his mission and how it is to be accomplished.
Mark 14:1, 3-8, 10-11. “After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death…And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she broke the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She has wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She has done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying…And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money, And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.”
We see the same story in John 12:1-8. Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
John 12:9-13. Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
We see Jesus had stayed in Bethany before the triumphant entry into Jerusalem occurred. But shortly after the glorious entry Jesus makes a shocking announcement. His disciples were asking him to meet with some Greek men who wanted to know him. Jesus completely ignores them, because he had received a message from his Father that his hour had come.
John 12:23-27. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
We see that Jesus had recently healed Lazarus not long before making his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people must have been elated. The Messiah had raised a man who had been dead for four days. Now he’s entering into Jerusalem. Will he at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
Jesus had stayed in Bethany before riding inro Jerusalem on a donkey. Now he was in Jerusalem. Things would start moving forward quickly. He has the Passover meal with his disciples. After the meal they sing a hymn and go out to rest the night on the mount of Olives. Peter promises Jesus that he won’t deny him, though Jesus assures him that he will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asks his disciples to sit and wait while he prays.
Luke 22:39-43. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Where else do angels come and minister to him? Matthew 4:11. “Then the devil leaves him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” When you are going through your toughest battle, prayer desperately and God will send an angel to strengthen you.
Luke 22:44-54. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, Do you betray the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Please don’t follow Jesus from a far off. We may end up denying him like Peter did, if we do.
Let’s read a bit in Matthew 26:38-44. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he comes unto the disciples, and finds them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Jesus is persevering unto the end. John gives us all those beautiful chapters of Jesus last moments with his disciples before his death. John 17 is Jesus’ beautiful prayer to his Father for his disciples.
John 18:1-12. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Of them which thou gave me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him.
The same Jesus who had seemed so weak and sorrowful to the point of death just a few moments earlier, had fought the good fight and had laid hold on eternal life and had defeated the Evil One. God had sent an angel to minister unto to him. That Jesus, who had sweat blood in despair and anguish, now came forth in the power of the spirit to confront his adversaries fearlessly. He didn’t flinch for a moment. He submitted to the Father unconditionally and fulfilled his purpose.
1 John 3:8b. “For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil.” Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all that believe and obey him.
Hebrews 5:7-9. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.”
We, too, must be about our task of being the light to the world. We must be steadfast, unmoveable. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. “But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
We, too, must be about our task of being the light to the world. We must be steadfast, unmoveable. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. “But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Chegada a hora de ser recebido, Jesus resolveu firmemente ir a Jerusalém
Dennis Edwards
Desde a
transfiguração de Jesus, ele decidiu ir a Jerusalém. Era hora de seu confronto
com as autoridades religiosas e seculares. Vamos começar com o evangelho de Marcos.
Tradicionalmente, o monte ao qual Jesus subiu com seus discípulos era o Monte
Tabor. O Monte Tabor fica a cerca de 24 km a sudoeste do Mar da Galileia. O
Monte Tabor fica a cerca de 114 km ao norte de Jericó, e Jericó fica a cerca de
25 km a leste de Jerusalém. A descida de Jericó a Jerusalém é de cerca de 3.600
pés nesse período de 25 km.
Marcos 9:2 e
4; 7-10; 31-32. “E,
depois de seis dias, Jesus tomou consigo Pedro, Tiago e João, e os conduziu à
parte a um alto monte; e transfigurou-se diante deles... E apareceram-lhes
Elias e Moisés, e falavam com Jesus... E uma nuvem os cobriu, e da nuvem saiu
uma voz que dizia: Este é o meu Filho amado. E de repente, olhando ao redor,
não viram mais ninguém, exceto Jesus, apenas com eles. E, descendo eles do
monte, ordenou-lhes que a ninguém contassem o que tinham visto, até que o Filho
do homem ressuscitasse dentre os mortos. E eles guardaram essa palavra consigo
mesmos, questionando uns aos outros o que significaria ressuscitar dentre os
mortos.”
O incidente de
Pedro repreendendo Jesus aconteceu pouco antes do evento da transfiguração.
Obviamente, Pedro não tinha a mesma visão para o Messias que Jesus tinha. Vamos
rever a história encontrada em Mateus 16:21-23.
“Desde então
começou Jesus a mostrar aos seus discípulos que lhe convinha ir a Jerusalém, e
padecer muitas coisas dos anciãos, e dos principais dos sacerdotes, e dos
escribas, e ser morto, e ressuscitar ao terceiro dia. Então Pedro o tomou e
começou a repreendê-lo, dizendo: Senhor, longe de ti isso não te acontecerá.
Ele, porém, voltando-se, disse a Pedro: Afasta-te de mim, Satanás, tu és uma
ofensa para mim, porque não te agradas as coisas que são de Deus, mas as que
são dos homens.
A descrição de
Mateus do evento da transfiguração fornece a mesma informação que Marcos. Vamos
examinar o mesmo relato em Lucas e ver se há mais alguma informação fornecida.
Lucas 9:21-22,
28, 30-31. “E ele os
advertiu estritamente e ordenou-lhes que não dissessem a ninguém essa coisa
(que ele era o Cristo de Deus); Dizendo: Convém que o Filho do homem padeça
muitas coisas, seja rejeitado pelos anciãos, pelos principais sacerdotes e
pelos escribas, seja morto e ressuscite ao terceiro dia. E aconteceu que, cerca
de oito dias depois destas palavras, tomou consigo Pedro, João e Tiago, e subiu
ao monte para orar. E eis que dois homens falavam com ele, que eram Moisés e
Elias; que apareceu em glória e falou de sua morte, que ele deveria cumprir em
Jerusalém.
Aqui está um
ponto-chave. Moisés e Elias deram a Jesus informações mais detalhadas sobre o
que aconteceria em Jerusalém. Jesus sabia de antemão o que iria acontecer.
Lucas 9:
43b-45, 51-56. E disse
Jesus aos seus discípulos: Estas palavras penetrem nos vossos ouvidos, porque o
Filho do homem será entregue nas mãos dos homens. Eles, porém, não entenderam
esta palavra, e lhes foi ocultada, de modo que não a perceberam; e temeram
interrogá-lo sobre essa palavra. … E aconteceu que, quando chegou a hora de ser
recebido, ele decidiu firmemente ir a Jerusalém. E enviou mensageiros adiante
de sua face; e eles foram, e entraram na aldeia dos samaritanos, para lhe
aprontarem. E eles não o receberam, porque seu rosto era como se ele fosse para
Jerusalém. E, vendo isto os seus discípulos Tiago e João, disseram: Senhor,
queres que digamos que desça fogo do céu e os consuma, como Elias também fez?
Mas ele, voltando-se, repreendeu-os e disse: Não sabeis de que espírito sois.
Porque o Filho do homem não veio para destruir as almas dos homens, mas para
salvá-las. E eles foram para outra aldeia.”
Por que os
discípulos estavam perguntando se deveriam enviar fogo do céu? Porque eles não
entenderam a missão de Jesus. Eles esperavam que o Messias viesse como um
vencedor conquistador. Eles conheciam muitas das profecias do Antigo Testamento
sobre sua vinda.
Vejamos Isaías
13:6-13. “Lamentem, pois o dia do Senhor está próximo! Virá como destruição
do Todo-Poderoso. Portanto, todas as mãos ficarão flácidas, o coração de todos
os homens se derreterá, E eles terão medo. Dores e tristezas se apoderarão
deles; Terão dores como a mulher no parto; Eles ficarão surpresos um com o
outro; Seus rostos serão como chamas. Eis que o dia do Senhor vem, Cruel, com
ira e ira feroz, Para deixar a terra desolada; E Ele destruirá seus pecadores
dela. Porque as estrelas do céu e as suas constelações não darão a sua luz; O
sol escurecerá ao nascer, e a lua não fará brilhar a sua luz. Castigarei o
mundo pela sua maldade, e os ímpios pela sua iniquidade; Farei cessar a
arrogância dos orgulhosos, e abaterei a soberba dos terríveis. Farei um mortal
mais raro do que o ouro puro, Um homem mais do que a cunha de ouro de Ofir. Por
isso farei tremer os céus, e a terra se moverá do seu lugar, por causa da ira
do Senhor dos exércitos, e no dia do furor da sua ira.
Vemos que os
discípulos tinham uma visão totalmente diferente do que aconteceria. O Messias
para eles deveria derrotar seus inimigos e trazer de volta o reino para Israel
e a montanha da casa do Senhor se espalharia de Jerusalém. O que eles pensavam
ser a primeira vinda, sabemos que é a segunda vinda.
Mas, ao descerem
do Monte Tabor e do evento da transfiguração, Tiago e João fazem uma pergunta
estranha a Jesus. Vamos ler Marcos 10:32. “E iam subindo para Jerusalém;
e Jesus foi adiante deles: e eles ficaram maravilhados; e enquanto eles
seguiam, eles estavam com medo.”
Vemos Jesus
andando na liderança e o grupo seguindo um tanto incerto do que esperar em
Jerusalém.
Mark 10:33-50. “E tomou novamente os doze e começou a
contar-lhes o que lhe havia de acontecer, dizendo: Eis que subimos a Jerusalém;
e o Filho do homem será entregue aos principais sacerdotes e aos escribas, e o
condenarão à morte, e o entregarão aos gentios; e escarnecerão dele, e o
açoitarão, e cuspirão nele , e o matará; e ao terceiro dia ressuscitará. Então,
aproximaram-se dele Tiago e João, filhos de Zebedeu, dizendo: “Mestre, queremos
que nos faças o que te pedirmos”. E Ele lhes disse: “O que vocês querem que eu
faça por vocês?” Disseram-lhe: Concede-nos que, na tua glória, nos assentemos
um à tua direita e outro à tua esquerda. Jesus, porém, lhes disse: “Vocês não
sabem o que pedem. Você pode beber o cálice que eu bebo e ser batizado com o
batismo com que eu sou batizado?” Disseram-lhe: “Podemos”. Então Jesus lhes
disse: “Vocês vão beber o cálice que eu bebo, e com o batismo que eu sou
batizado com vocês serão batizados; mas o sentar-se à minha direita e à minha
esquerda não é meu para dar, mas é para aqueles para quem está preparado. E
quando os dez ouviram isso, começaram a ficar muito descontentes com Tiago e João.
Jesus, porém, chamou-os a si e disse-lhes: “Sabeis que os que são considerados
chefes dos gentios os dominam, e os seus grandes exercem autoridade sobre eles.
Todavia não será assim entre vós; mas quem quiser tornar-se importante entre
vós será vosso servo. E quem de vós quiser ser o primeiro será escravo de
todos. Porque o Filho do homem não veio para ser servido, mas para servir e dar
a sua vida em resgate de muitos”.
Vemos novamente
que os discípulos pensaram que Jesus estava se preparando para estabelecer seu
reino. Eles pensaram que ele usaria seu poder para destruir seus inimigos.
Tiago e João queriam sentar-se à direita e à esquerda de Jesus. Se entendermos
o conceito dos discípulos sobre a vinda do Messias, podemos entender sua
pergunta aparentemente estranha. Eles pensaram que havia chegado a hora de
restabelecer o reino de Israel.
Eles estão
descendo do Monte Tabor em direção a Jerusalém e o próximo lugar a que chegam é
Jericó. Marcos 10: 46, 51-52. E chegaram a Jericó: e, saindo ele de
Jericó com seus discípulos e grande multidão, o cego Bartimeu, filho de Timeu,
estava sentado à beira do caminho, mendigando... E Jesus, respondendo,
disse-lhe: Que queres que devo fazer a ti? O cego disse-lhe; Senhor, para que
eu possa receber minha visão. E Jesus lhe disse: Vai; tua fé te curou. E
imediatamente recobrou a vista e seguiu a Jesus pelo caminho”.
O cego Bartimeu
consegue a cura e depois segue Jesus no caminho. Lembre-se que Jerusalém fica a
apenas 25 km de Jericó. Se voltarmos à descrição de Lucas, veremos que é a
mesma coisa, que não vamos nos preocupar em ler, mas é encontrado em Lucas
18:31-43.
Em Lucas 19
Jesus passa por Jericó e é lá que ele encontra Zaqueu, o rico publicano. Jesus para
para ficar em sua casa. Em Lucas 19:9-11 lemos: “Respondeu-lhe Jesus:
Hoje veio a salvação a esta casa, porque também este é filho de Abraão. Porque
o Filho do homem veio buscar e salvar o que se havia perdido. E, ouvindo eles
estas coisas, acrescentou e contou uma parábola, porque estava perto de
Jerusalém, e porque pensavam que o reino de Deus havia de aparecer
imediatamente.”
Jesus então conta
a parábola dos talentos e sobre as bênçãos que receberão aqueles que forem
fiéis em investir seus talentos. Ele está tentando fazê-los entender que o reino
não passará a existir imediatamente.
Lucas
19:28-30, 35-38. Dito
isto, foi adiante, subindo para Jerusalém. E aconteceu que, chegando ele a Betfagé
e a Betânia, ao monte chamado das Oliveiras, enviou dois dos seus discípulos,
dizendo: Ide à aldeia que está defronte de vós, onde, ao entrardes,
encontrareis um jumentinho amarrado, no qual ninguém jamais se sentou.
Soltem-no e tragam-no para cá... Então o trouxeram a Jesus. E lançaram as suas
próprias vestes sobre o jumentinho, e puseram Jesus sobre ele. E enquanto ele
ia, muitos estendiam suas roupas pelo caminho. Então, quando já se aproximava
da descida do Monte das Oliveiras, toda a multidão dos discípulos começou a se
alegrar e a louvar a Deus em alta voz por todos os milagres que tinham visto,
dizendo: “Bem-aventurado o Rei que vem em nome do Senhor!' Paz no céu e glória
nas alturas!
A multidão não
são apenas os doze discípulos, mas todo o grupo de pessoas que seguiram Jesus.
Talvez os setenta, e as mulheres que o serviam, e o cego Bartimeu, cento e vinte,
e outros. Quando ele entrou em Jerusalém montado em um jumento, os seguidores
de Jesus podem ter pensado na profecia de Zacarias 9:9-10. “Alegre-se
muito, ó filha de Sião! Grita, ó filha de Jerusalém! Eis que o seu Rei está
vindo para você; Ele é justo e tem salvação, humilde e montado em um jumento,
um jumentinho, filho de uma jumenta. Destruirei de Efraim o carro, e de
Jerusalém o cavalo; O arco de batalha será cortado. Ele falará de paz às
nações; Seu domínio será 'de mar a mar, E desde o Rio até os confins da terra'.
Os discípulos
estavam pensando que Jesus é o Messias e ele vai estabelecer seu reino agora.
Mesmo depois de sua ressurreição antes de ascender ao céu, eles o perguntam
novamente. Atos 1:6. “Quando, pois, eles se reuniram, perguntaram-lhe,
dizendo: É neste tempo que restaurarás o reino a Israel?” Jesus responde a
eles, Atos 1: 7-8: “Não é para você saber os tempos ou as estações, que
o Pai colocou em suas próprias mãos. Mas recebereis poder, ao descer sobre vós
o Espírito Santo, e ser-me-eis testemunhas, tanto em Jerusalém como em toda a
Samaria, e até aos confins da terra”.
Esse é o nosso
trabalho até o fim, ser testemunhas de Jesus, tanto em nossa casa, no nosso
bairro, no país e até no mundo inteiro. Portanto, vemos Jesus entrar triunfalmente
em Jerusalém com seus seguidores que não entendem sua missão e como ela deve
ser cumprida.
Marcos 14:1,
3-8, 10-11. “Dois dias
depois era a festa da páscoa e dos pães ázimos; e os principais sacerdotes e os
escribas procuravam como o prenderiam com astúcia e o matariam... E estando em
Betânia, na casa de Simão, o leproso, enquanto ele estava sentado à mesa, veio
uma mulher com uma caixa de alabastro com unguento de nardo muito precioso; e
ela quebrou a caixa e derramou na cabeça dele. E houve alguns que se indignaram
e disseram: Por que se fez este desperdício de unguento? Pois poderia ter sido
vendido por mais de trezentos pences e dado aos pobres. E Jesus disse: Deixa-a;
por que incomodá-la? Ela fez um bom trabalho em mim. Pois sempre tendes os pobres
convosco e, quando quiserdes, podeis fazer-lhes bem; mas a mim nem sempre
tendes. Ela fez o que pôde: antecipou-se a ungir meu corpo para a sepultura...
E Judas Iscariotes, um dos doze, foi aos principais sacerdotes para entregá-lo
a eles. E quando eles ouviram isso, eles ficaram felizes e prometeram dar-lhe
dinheiro, e ele procurou como poderia traí-lo convenientemente.
Vemos a mesma
história em João 12:1-8. Então, seis dias antes da Páscoa, Jesus foi a
Betânia, onde estava Lázaro que havia morrido, a quem Ele ressuscitou dentre os
mortos. Ali lhe ofereceram uma ceia; e
Marta servia, mas Lázaro era um dos que se sentavam à mesa com Ele. Então Maria pegou uma libra de óleo de nardo
muito caro, ungiu os pés de Jesus e enxugou-lhe os pés com os cabelos. E a casa
encheu-se da fragrância do azeite. Mas
um de seus discípulos, Judas Iscariotes, filho de Simão, que o trairia, disse:
“Por que este óleo perfumado não foi vendido por trezentos denários e dado aos
pobres?” Isto disse ele, não porque se importasse com os pobres, mas porque era
ladrão e tinha a caixa do dinheiro; e ele costumava pegar o que era colocado
nele. Mas Jesus disse: “Deixa-a; ela
guardou isso para o dia do meu enterro.
Pois os pobres você sempre tem com você, mas a mim você nem sempre tem.
João 12:9-13.
Ora, muitos dos judeus sabiam que ele estava ali; e eles vieram, não
apenas por causa de Jesus, mas também para ver Lázaro, a quem Ele ressuscitou
dos mortos. Mas os principais sacerdotes
tramavam matar também Lázaro, porque por causa dele muitos dos judeus se
afastavam e criam em Jesus. No dia
seguinte, uma grande multidão que tinha vindo para a festa, ouvindo que Jesus
vinha para Jerusalém, pegou ramos de palmeiras
e saiu ao seu encontro, clamando: “Hosana! ‘Bendito o que vem em nome do
SENHOR!’ O Rei de Israel!”
Vemos que Jesus
permaneceu em Betânia antes da entrada triunfal em Jerusalém. Mas logo após a
entrada gloriosa, Jesus faz um anúncio chocante. Seus discípulos estavam
pedindo que ele se encontrasse com alguns gregos que queriam conhecê-lo. Jesus
os ignora completamente, porque recebe uma mensagem de Deus de que chegou a
hora.
João 12:23-27. E Jesus lhes respondeu, dizendo: É
chegada a hora em que o Filho do homem há de ser glorificado. Em verdade, em
verdade vos digo que, se o grão de trigo, caindo na terra, não morrer, fica ele
só; mas, se morrer, dá muito fruto. Quem ama a sua vida a perderá; e aquele que
odeia sua vida neste mundo a conservará para a vida eterna. Se alguém me serve,
siga-me; e onde eu estiver, ali estará também o meu servo; se alguém me servir,
meu Pai o honrará. Agora minha alma está perturbada; e o que devo dizer? Pai,
salva-me desta hora; mas para isto vim a esta hora.
Vemos que Jesus
recentemente curou Lázaro não muito antes de fazer sua entrada triunfal em
Jerusalém. O povo deve ter ficado eufórico. O Messias ressuscitou um homem que
estava morto há quatro dias. Agora ele está entrando em Jerusalém. Ele
restaurará o reino a Israel neste momento?
Jesus havia
permanecido em Betânia antes de entrar em Jerusalém montado em um jumento. Agora
ele estava em Jerusalém. As coisas começariam a avançar rapidamente. Ele tem a
refeição da Páscoa com seus discípulos. Após a refeição cantam um hino e saem
para passar a noite no monte das Oliveiras. Pedro promete a Jesus que não o
negará, embora Jesus lhe assegure que o fará. No Jardim do Getsêmani, Jesus
pede a seus discípulos que se sentem e esperem enquanto ele ora.
Lucas
22:39-43. E, saindo, foi,
como de costume, para o monte das Oliveiras; e seus discípulos também o
seguiram. E quando ele estava no lugar, disse-lhes: Rogai para que não entreis
em tentação. E, afastando-se deles cerca de um tiro de pedra, ajoelhou-se e
orou, Dizendo: Pai, se queres, passa de mim este cálice; todavia não se faça a
minha vontade, mas a tua. E apareceu-lhe um anjo do céu, que o fortalecia.
Onde mais os
anjos vêm e ministram a ele? Mateus 4:11. “Então o diabo o deixou, e eis
que os anjos vieram e o ministraram.” Quando você estiver enfrentando a batalha
mais difícil, ore desesperadamente e Deus enviará um anjo para fortalecê-lo.
Lucas
22:44-54. E estando em
agonia, ele orou com mais fervor: e seu suor era como se fossem grandes gotas
de sangue caindo no chão. E, levantando-se da oração, voltou para junto dos
seus discípulos, achou-os adormecidos de tristeza, e disse-lhes: Por que estais
dormindo? levantai-vos e orai, para que não entreis em tentação. E enquanto ele
ainda falava, eis que uma multidão, e aquele que se chamava Judas, um dos doze,
ia adiante deles, e aproximou-se de Jesus para beijá-lo. Mas Jesus lhe disse: Judas,
com um beijo trais o Filho do homem? Quando os que estavam com ele viram o que
se seguiria, disseram-lhe: Senhor, feriremos à espada? E um deles feriu o servo
do sumo sacerdote e cortou-lhe a orelha direita. E Jesus, respondendo, disse:
Sofrei até agora. E ele tocou-lhe na orelha, e curou-o. Então Jesus disse aos
principais sacerdotes, capitães do templo e anciãos que tinham vindo ter com
ele: Saístes como a um ladrão, com espadas e paus? Quando eu estava diariamente
convosco no templo, não estendestes as mãos contra mim; mas esta é a vossa hora
e o poder das trevas. Então o tomaram, o conduziram e o introduziram na casa do
sumo sacerdote. E Pedro seguia de longe.
Por favor, não
siga Jesus de longe. Você pode acabar negando-o como Pedro fez.
Vamos ler um
pouco em Mateus 26:38-44. Disse-lhes então: A minha alma está
profundamente triste até à morte; ficai aqui e vigiai comigo. E, adiantando-se
um pouco, prostrou-se com o rosto em terra e orou, dizendo: Meu Pai, se
possível, passe de mim este cálice; todavia, não seja como eu quero, mas como
tu queres. E, chegando-se aos discípulos, achou-os dormindo e disse a Pedro: O
que não pudestes vigiar comigo nem uma hora? Vigiai e orai para que não entreis
em tentação; o espírito está pronto, mas a carne é fraca. Afastou-se outra vez
e orou, dizendo: Meu Pai, se este cálice não pode passar de mim sem que eu o
beba, faça-se a tua vontade. E ele veio e os encontrou dormindo novamente:
porque seus olhos estavam pesados. E ele os deixou, e foi novamente, e orou
pela terceira vez, dizendo as mesmas palavras.
Jesus está
perseverando até o fim. João nos dá todos aqueles belos capítulos dos últimos
momentos de Jesus com seus discípulos antes de sua morte. João 17 é a
bela oração de Jesus a seu Pai por seus discípulos.
João 18:1-12. Tendo Jesus dito essas palavras, saiu
com seus discípulos para o outro lado do riacho Cedron, onde havia um jardim,
no qual ele entrou com seus discípulos.
E também Judas, que o havia traído, conhecia o lugar, porque Jesus
costumava ali ir com seus discípulos.
Judas, então, tendo recebido um grupo de homens e oficiais dos
principais sacerdotes e fariseus, chega lá com lanternas, tochas e armas. Jesus, pois, sabendo tudo o que lhe
sobreviria, saiu e disse-lhes: A quem buscais?
Responderam-lhe: Jesus de Nazaré. Jesus disse-lhes: Eu sou ele. E também
Judas, que o traiu, ficou com eles.
Assim que lhes disse: Sou eu, recuaram e caíram por terra. Então perguntou-lhes novamente: A quem
buscais? E eles disseram: Jesus de Nazaré.
Jesus respondeu: Eu vos disse que sou eu; se, pois, me buscais,
deixai-os ir; Então Simão Pedro, que trazia consigo uma espada, desembainhou-a
e feriu o servo do sumo sacerdote, cortando-lhe a orelha direita. O nome do
servo era Malchus. Então disse Jesus a Pedro: Mete a tua espada na bainha; não
beberei eu o cálice que meu Pai me deu?
Então o bando, o capitão e os oficiais dos judeus prenderam Jesus e o
amarraram.
O mesmo Jesus que parecia tão fraco e triste até a morte apenas alguns momentos antes, havia combatido o bom combate e vencido o Maligno. Deus havia enviado um anjo para ministrar a ele. Aquele Jesus que havia suado sangue no desespero e na angústia, agora saiu na força do espírito para enfrentar seus adversários sem medo. Ele não vacilou por um momento. Ele se submeteu ao Pai incondicionalmente e cumpriu seu propósito.
1 João 3:8b. “Para isto se manifestou o Filho de Deus: para destruir as obras do Diabo.” Jesus é o autor da salvação eterna para todos os que crêem e obedecem a ele.
Hebreus 5:7-9. O qual nos dias da sua carne, tendo oferecido orações e súplicas com grande clamor e lágrimas ao que o podia livrar da morte, e foi ouvido quanto ao que temia; Embora fosse Filho, aprendeu a obediência pelas coisas que sofreu; E, tendo sido aperfeiçoado, tornou-se o autor da salvação eterna para todos os que lhe obedecem.
João 3:16-17 “Porque Deus amou o mundo de tal maneira que deu
o seu Filho unigênito, para que todo aquele que nele crê não pereça, mas tenha
a vida eterna. Porque Deus não enviou o seu Filho ao mundo para condenar o
mundo, mas para que o mundo fosse salvo por ele.”
Nós também
devemos cumprir nossa tarefa de ser a luz para o mundo. Devemos ser firmes,
inabaláveis. Vamos ler 1 Coríntios 15:57-58. “Mas graças a Deus, que nos
dá a vitória por nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo. Portanto, meus amados irmãos, sede
firmes e inabaláveis, sempre abundantes na obra do Senhor, sabendo que o vosso
trabalho não é vão no Senhor.”
