Gethsemane happenings-part 4: Let the scriptures be fulfilled!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | September 17, 2023 | Matthew 26:47-56

KEY VERSE:

But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" Matthew 26:54 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The Word of God contained the predictions of the coming of the Saviour of humanity from our lostness to sin and enslavement by the Devil. The predictions of this redemption included indicators that the Saviour would go through some suffering in order to bring it about.

For example, the first announcement in Scripture of the good news of human salvation immediately following the Fall into sin by Adam and Eve contained the element of a struggle between the Son of the Woman, the Saviour, and the embodiment of sin, the Devil;

And I will put enmity

between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush your head,

and you will strike his heel." Genesis 3:15 (NIV).

The betrayal of the Saviour by a close friend or associate had also been predicted;

Even my close friend, whom I trusted,

he who shared my bread,

has lifted up his heel against me. Psalms 41:9 (NIV).

Isaiah 53 contained graphic descriptions of the sufferings of the Saviour. And other parts of the Scriptures bear further witness to the pains of the Saviour, associated with our redemption.

The lesson today is that the Lord Jesus Christ, being very conscious of all these, subjected Himself to the fulfilment of what was written, so that He could bring about the sacrifice that would free us. The reason He offered in verses 54 and 56 for the happenings in Gethsemane was that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.

In the case of Christ in Gethsemane, the aspect of Scripture to be fulfilled was His affliction at the hand of evil and evil people. For us, our life objective should be that the Name of our God is glorified in and through us, according to His Word, whether it be in joy or grief.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

What is the place of the Word of God in your life? The Bible has something to say about every aspect of life. Are you living to fulfil what revelation you have received from God’s Word? Let’s find our new self-definition, our compass in life and our marching orders from what is written in the Bible.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am impressed with your knowledge of the written Word, and your willing submission to it, even when it meant suffering for you.

Please help me to be like you in my submission to the truths in the Bible. May I help others to know the Bible and to live by its revelation.

For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! _____________________________ DAILY word study: SCRIPTURES The word "Scriptures" in Matthew 26:54 is translated from the Greek word "γραφαί" (graphai). This Greek noun refers to "writings" or "scriptures." In the New Testament, it often specifically refers to the sacred writings of the Old Testament.

In this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples at the moment of His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. Peter, in an attempt to defend Jesus, had just drawn his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus responds by rebuking Peter and saying, "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53, NIV).

Then, in Matthew 26:54, Jesus asks the rhetorical question about how the Scriptures would be fulfilled if He were to avoid His impending arrest. He acknowledges that the events unfolding are in accordance with the divine plan as revealed in the Scriptures.

The word "Scriptures" in this passage underscores the importance of fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Jesus recognized that His arrest, trial, and crucifixion were not arbitrary events but were part of God's predetermined plan as foretold in the sacred writings of the Old Testament.

This passage invites us to reflect on the significance of God's plan and the role of prophecy in the life and mission of Jesus. It highlights the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament, demonstrating how Jesus fulfils the prophetic promises of the Scriptures.

Reflections: How does the recognition of Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies impact your faith and understanding of God's plan? In what ways do the Scriptures guide and inform your beliefs and actions in your Christian journey?