January 17th, Saturday: Matthew chaps. 27-28

We'll see that Jesus is the example to follow when you suffer unjustly.

He did not even reply when accused.

In this He fulfill Isaiah 53:7.

there's a time to speak and a time to be silent, and we must exercise discernment.

One thing is sure – no matter what He said, they would not have believed Him.

He did not retaliate when abused.

He had the power to destroy those who mocked Him.

In fact, legions of angels would have delivered Him.

All He had to do is to call upon them.

But it was the Father's will that He suffered as He did, and Jesus was obedient to His Father's will.

There is a great example in lesson in the use, or in this case – the non-use of power.

One of the main reasons that God does not give certain individuals power is simply because they would use it over others.

Remember Jesus did not use His power when He could.

The temptation to use our powers when faced with abuse and accusations, is far too great.

Let's find out how JC handles it.

He did not accept the cup.

The narcotic drink would have help deaden the pain.

Jesus refused it.

He drank the cup of suffering instead.

And He did not come down from the cross.

Had He come down from the cross, the people still would not have believe in Him.

And if He saved Himself, He could not save others.

First the suffering, then the glory.

First the cross, then the crown.

Remember that the next time you're tempted to take the easy way.

It was the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who said, 'Leave out the Cross, and you have killed the religion of Jesus.'

Atonement by the blood of Jesus is not an arm of Christian truth, it is the very heart of it.

The message of the empty tomb.

And that message is 'Do not be afraid.'

Jesus is saying, 'I'm going before you, and I've got this covered.'

So He overcomes His enemies in His death and resurrection.

Our Lord defeated the world.

And He defeated the flesh and death itself, along with the devil.

You need not be afraid of life or death, time or eternity.

Jesus says, 'If a man or woman keeps my saying, he or she shall never see death.'

Wow.. what a promise.

And you can rest in the fact that He keeps His promises, because His followers forgot His resurrection promise.

They were sorrowing instead of rejoicing.

The Lord always keeps His promises, no matter how dark the day may be.

And He goes before you.

When the women ran to share the message – well, they met the Lord.

You'll always meet Him in the path of obedience.

The shepherd goes before the sheep, and prepares the way for them.

You have a living and victorious Saviour, who has everything under control.

So the command is very simple – trust Him... He is our Lord.

He has all authority under heaven and on earth.

He commands us to take the gospel to all nations.

And He promises to be with us as we go, always.

'I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.'

What more assurance could we want?

We're His ambassadors and should be faithful to Him in all things.