DAY 20 | MATTHEW 26

Matthew 26:39 “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

In these two chapters within Matthew, we read and experience the days and trials of Jesus before His crucifixion, and finally, His death and burial. We read precious, beautiful experiences, like Jesus being anointed and the Last Supper, but also the most painful parts of His life. Like His time in Gethsemane, being betrayed by his closest friend, traded for coins, and being mocked by soldiers while on the cross. 

However, this verse shows us that in spite of His hardships, Jesus chooses life, over and over again. He chooses to commit His life for all of us. Even when He was betrayed by Judas or His own people, He chose to love. He also showed us His humanity. This decision was hard, and immensely painful, but still He persevered to the cross. He understood that the end goal was worth it. God's plan will still prevail, He will still end up on the throne! Jesus models in this verse what our response to pain should be. His death was the saddest day in all of human history, but luckily, the greatest day in all history was coming.

As we reflect on all Jesus did for us and how He gave His life for our transgressions, here are a few questions to ask yourself: 

1. What is my response to pain? Do I run from it, regardless of how much it actually hurts? Do I run to someone else instead of to The Father?

2. Who do I need to forgive? Jesus made a choice to forgive, and died on the cross so that we ourselves may be forgiven. Who or what have you not released yet? 

3. Jesus was born a man and showed His humanity when He asked to be released from this burden, yet knew the answer was to stay and see this out. He trusted His Father would help Him through. In what areas of my own life do I need to trust God more? What have I been trying to figure out on my own, when I should be releasing it to Him? 

Ivette Castano

Events & Conferences Director