FEB 5th
Matthew 26:26–35 (ESV) 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my
body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to
them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away 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 am raised up, I will go
before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all
fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him,
“Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me
three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not
deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
- Bro. Benji's HEAR H: 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”E: Christ foretold that the disciples would run away later that night when He was arrested. Peter was the first to reject and deny this truth and the other disciples followed suit.A: Peter had passion but it expressed itself in a form of pride and pride comes before the fall. If we are to succeed when persecution comes it will not come from our own sense of pride and strength. We must be humble and in our weakness rely on the perfect grace of Christ to provide strength and boldness. R: Lord keep your servant humble. Help me never to consider myself something more than what I truly am and that is a sinner saved by grace. Apart from the Vine this branch can do nothing. Lord enable me to bear fruit and stand in the day of testing by Your provision. Keep our church unified in Your truth and faithful by Your grace. amen.
- H: v 28-29, 34-35 E: We must trust completely in God for forgiveness of sins in order to enter the kingdom of God. A lack of trust causes us to confess one thing with our mouth and do another in reality.A: Peter denied the Lord because he feared what man would do to him. His faith was split between the world and God. The Lord's supper is a reminder that Jesus gave all of his blood and His entire body. He trusted in the Father completely no matter what the disciples were going to do. We have the same problem as Peter. We pledge allegiance to God and His kingdom, but with one foot in the world.R: Lord please help me to trust fully in you. Remind me every time I take communion that you gave it all so that I could have forgiveness of sin. Help us to be 100% faithful to you as individuals and as a church.