In the context of Matthew 26, the Chief priests plot against Jesus as to how they might trap and destroy Him. Meanwhile; Jesus is at Simon the former Leper's house where Simon is hosting a feast in honor of Jesus. Not only is Simon there, but also Lazarus who used to be dead. During the meal a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive oil. Judas offended by the "wastefulness of this act" seeks to betray Him.The scene changes and Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples. During the meal, Jesus reveals His betrayal. He also establishes the Lord's Supper and tells Peter “you will deny me three times.”
As the narrative moves along, Jesus goes to garden to pray where Judas arrives, with a mob in tow, and he betrays Jesus with a kiss.
Matthew records the events surrounding Jesus' garden prayer in Matt 26:36-46. As you read this passage focus on Matt 26:39:
Jesus' soul is “VERY sorrowful." As a man He needed His friends near Him and praying for Him and with Him, yet they repeatedly fell asleep. Jesus prays, “If it is possible let this cup pass . . .” Could we conclude that Jesus does not want to die such a death? The physical, human part of Jesus does not want to die this way. As Jesus prays, our eternal salvation literally hangs in the balance of His prayer. Although He knows our need for salvation, and desires along with the Father for man to have salvation, Jesus wants to do this differently.
At this point, Jesus utters a word which changes everything for Him. Jesus simply says, “NEVERTHELESS, not my will but Yours be done.” --- "Nevertheless," what a word! What a concept! What love! Jesus would submit not to His own wishes, hopes, or happiness, but to the will of God the Father.
"Nevertheless!" The world needs this attitude toward God. Our Nation needs this attitude toward God. Our State, our community, and churches need this attitude toward God. You and I – we need this attitude toward God. Peter says in 1 Peter 4:1-2, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God" (ESV - emphasis mine: SMc).
How will a "Nevertheless Attitude" affect your worship? How will a "Nevertheless Attitude" affect your daily living?
My challenge -- Live "Nevertheless" for God!
Scott
3 comments:
Great post. I'm going to attempt to live "Nevertheless" for God. Thanks,
Marty
Excellent thoughts. I like them… nevertheless. :-)
This is one of the hard things for us to deal with, what to do when God's will doesn't match ours.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Tim and Marty,
Thanks for continuing to read and for the comments. Over the years there have been many passages of scripture and thoughts from them that gave me cause to turn. Along with this "Nevertheless" concept there are four others that I attempt to focus on daily: 1) We look not to the things that are seen, but that that is unseen for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal (2 Cor 4:18). 2) We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). 3) God made Him who had no sin to become sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21). 4)What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Mic 6:6-8).
Scott
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