Today's Scripture:

Matthew 26:14-30 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” 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.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 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.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
There is a lot going on in these 17 verses of Scripture. Jesus’s betrayer is revealed as one of His very own disciples. His disciples prepare for the Last Supper, following Jesus’ instructions and finding the details exactly as Jesus told them. Divine appointments are routine with God. Jesus shares the Lord’s Supper with His disciples and His betrayer, Judas. This was on the last night before His death. He shared last instructions and reminders to His disciples.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
In these verses, I sense a lot of different emotions: betrayal, rejection, disappointment, confusion, anxiety, surprise, fear over the revelation of Judas as a betrayer; then trust, obedience, anticipation, gratitude, hope, love in the Lord’s Supper. These are emotions we may all experience on any given day. In the midst of all this, there is one constant: God is in control and God is sovereign over all things. The good things and the bad things. God’s goodness does not change based on our circumstances. We can trust that God’s purposes will be fulfilled in all times and in all ways. Sometimes it is hard for us on this side of heaven to understand how God works good in our trials and on our hard days. This is where trust and obedience step in to carry us through those circumstances. His love for us is great and His plans are perfect. We can find rest and peace in acceptance of God’s sovereignty.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
Hopefully, prayerfully, we can respond to this passage by recognizing God’s sovereignty and resting in that knowledge that God is in control. Nothing that happens in our personal lives or in the world around us is a surprise to God. Instead of a response of panic or fear to the circumstances, our first response to all our circumstances should be prayer, followed by praise. This takes practice and we do not always get it right every time. We can practice this through prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, service to others. Be God-focused, not self-focused. Dear Lord, Help us in this season of Lent to pause and reflect on Your Faithfulness and Your Goodness to us in the past, in the present and in the days and years ahead. We are grateful for Your Sovereignty over all things. We can rest knowing that You are the Lord of our lives and of this world, always. Thank you for loving us and for Your Son, Jesus in who our Hope lives. Amen!

About Debbie Lunn:
Doug and I are long-time members of Grace and have been involved in many different ministries over our 40+ years. We are now proud grandparents of 4 precious little ones. I love to spend my time being involved in Bible study and fellowship with friends and family, playing Mahjongg, and spending time with Shep, Ford, Francie and Sutton!