Easter Sunday
Matthew 26:30–35 (NKJV)
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.
Christ was keenly and painfully aware of how the disciples would respond in the upcoming moments when the pressure was applied.
In the midst of KNOWING that they were going to scatter like sheep, he never deviates from the plan.
A few thoughts about how Christ interacted with his disciples before his arrest, during the crucifixion and after his resurrection:
Before his arrest:
He knows me better than I know me!
He knew how much the disciples were capable of handling.
He even told Peter that before sunrise he would deny his relationship with Christ 3 times
That's exactly what happened - you need to understand that
He knows your tendencies
He knows your weaknesses
He knows your limits
It doesn't negate or talk him out of his plan - but it does mean that I need more grace in my life!
When I put myself in subjection to the Lordship of a risen Christ, I put myself:
At the leadership of someone who is intimately aware of my strengths and weaknesses
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
He not only understands my weaknesses but also the strength of my challenges!
He stillL loves me enough to die for me
John 3:16–17 (NKJV) 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
During his crucifixion:
Jesus didn't offer salvation based on your performance, because he gave it knowing that your performance wasn't good enough.
Jesus willingly goes forward with the plan knowing that his disciples were about to bail.
Chances are, you've not been absolutely faithful to Jesus
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The thief on the cross:
The good news of the Gospel is based on what he has done, not what we have done!
It's built on:
His ability
His faithfulness
His goodness
After his resurrection:
His response after his resurrection was to gather and to build the church.
Here's the response of Jesus in Matthew:
Community among believers
Matthew 28:9–10 (NKJV) 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
Communion with the Spirit
Luke 24:48–49 (NKJV) 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
The commission of making disciples
Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV) 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
His first order of business was revealing himself to his disciples and building the new testament church
He wasn't just thinking of his 11 disciples - he was building a church in Hattiesburg!
