Consumed by evil

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | September 22, 2023 | Matthew 27:1-2

KEY VERSE:

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. Matthew 27:1

MESSAGE:

The act of planning to commit evil exerts a significant amount of pressure on the evildoer, propelling him or her to follow through until the nefarious deed is accomplished. Scriptures alluded to this fact in Proverbs 4:16 when it said, "For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble". In other words, the evil one or the planners of evil are pressured by their evil intentions to implement the evil plans and they will not sit until they have seen it accomplished.

The Chief Priests and elders of Judaism could not rest, nor could they be at ease until the plan they had hatched to see Jesus crucified had been accomplished. They could not sleep; they woke up early in the morning to have a meeting and firm up plans to have Jesus executed.

What was driving them with such passion for them to organise an early morning meeting? Evil is not only persuasive but also very pushy and demanding. Evil is not a gentleman like the Holy Spirit (even though the Holy Spirit can also be pushy sometimes).

The chief priest and elders were so consumed by evil that, they were willing to lose sleep to see to it that their wicked plans materialised.

Our ability to execute wicked plans depends entirely on our willingness to engage in them. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

When evil is in our hearts, it pushes us thus far to see to its manifestation because it controls our hearts. What is in your heart and what is Controlling your heart? If your heart is controlled by the Holy Spirit, how far will you go to ensure the desires of the Spirit are fulfilled? How yielded are you to the Spirit of God?

PRAYER:

Lord Holy Spirit, I yield my heart, will and emotions to You. Take the whole of me and in my yieldedness use me to accomplish your will. For your dear name's sake. Amen

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! _______________

DAILY word study: EARLY IN THE MORNING The phrase "early in the morning" in our passage for today's devotional (Matthew 27:1-2) is translated from the following Greek words: "πρωῒ" (prōi): This Greek adverb means "early" or "in the morning." It refers to the early hours of the day, typically from sunrise until around mid-morning.

In this verse, the religious leaders, specifically the chief priests and elders, are depicted as convening early in the morning to make plans for the execution of Jesus. The timing is significant because it underscores the urgency with which they are pursuing their goal of having Jesus put to death.

This early morning gathering reflects not only their determination to carry out their plan but also their desire to avoid any public disturbances or uprisings that might occur if they were to arrest and execute Jesus during the daytime when crowds might be present.

The phrase "early in the morning" in this passage carries several layers of meaning. First, it serves as a reminder of the haste and secrecy with which Jesus' arrest and trial were conducted. The religious leaders were intent on carrying out their plan as quickly as possible, and this early morning meeting signifies their unwavering commitment to that goal.

Second, it underscores the darkness of their intentions. While the world was waking up to a new day, the religious leaders were plotting to take the life of the innocent Son of God. It highlights the spiritual darkness that had enveloped their hearts and minds.

Reflections: How does the urgency and determination displayed by the religious leaders in this passage contrast with the character of Jesus, who embodies love, grace, and patience? How can you apply the lessons from this passage to your own life, especially in moments of urgency and decision-making?