Comments for January 24

39v.8 - Joseph refused the ways of the world, because of the responsibility that he bore to his master. Here we have an important principle. Look how often it is recorded in Proverbs by the man who could claim first hand experience. Prov.1:10, 2:10-19, 5:3-8, 6:20-25,29-33, 7:5,25-27, 9:13-18, 22:14 23:26-28. The spiritual principle for ourselves is quite clear isn't it?

40 v.8 - We do well to remember that whatever method He chooses to use, God in heaven reveals His secrets to men, and if we continue to search His revealed word, we will find them, not by our own efforts, as such, but by His unmerited permission. Gen.41:16, Psa.25:14, Dan.2:28

ch 39 - The story of Joseph in Egypt is a wonderful picture of God's providence. Notice :3 indicates that this was known by Joseph's master and :23 the comment is made again.

ch 40 - The dreams of the butler and baker and the way in which the butler forgot Joseph - incredible in itself - further highlights the providence of God.

39:2 Whilst 'the Lord was with Joseph' we should not think that Joseph thought things were going well with him all the time he was in Egypt for even when he was in a position of authority beyond his wildest dreams he named one of his children (Genesis 41:51) as a reminder of his sorrow.

40:7 We are so taken with the way in which Joseph was able to interpret the butler and baker's dreams that we may not notice that Joseph - as the jailer - is actually concerned for the welfare of the prisoners in his charge!

39:3,23 On two occasions this slave was seen to be faithful – more than that, his overseer recognised God was with Joseph. Can it be said by those that watch us that they can see our faith being lived out in our lives? Or do we think that Joseph was a special case and that we need not try to emulate his faithfulness?

Gen 40 - Thinking more about the dreams. Isn’t it wonderful that the butler was the first to tell his dream? If the baker had told his dream first would the butler have been so willing to tell his dream – see 40:16

a) Joseph resisted the temptation when his boss's wife made advances to him. He wouldn't commit adultery, neither would he "be with her". There would be no harm in stopping for a few minutes' chat every so often, but Joseph wouldn't do this, either. He knew that this would encourage her, and would make his life harder in the future, so he refused her completely. Joseph is an excellent example of "Lead us not into temptation".

b) The baker made bread, and the butler served wine. Here’s a wonderful instance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection in the Old Testament.  How many more instances of bread and wine can you find in the old Testament?

Gen 39:6  Once again, we have a lesson from the life of one we would normally not look at as an example for a way to live. Potiphar left all that he had in Joseph's hands, save the bread that he did eat. We should leave everything in God's hand, rather than be concerned and caught up with the things of life. Potiphar was aware of that which was necessary. (daily bread) Everything else was left in Joseph's hand. How much better off would each one of us be, if we left everything else in God's hand. We think about words of Christ spoken in the sermon on the mount. Matt 6:25-34   

Contrast the behaviour of Joseph with that of Judah's, which we read about yesterday. Judah had no compunction cavorting with prostitutes, yet could be decisively judgemental with Tamar over her pregnancy. Here we see Joseph showing propriety in the face of great temptation. Ah! but, who would know? Joseph was aware that Yahweh would know and deferred to Him. His explanation to Potiphar's wife, how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (39:9) attests to this.

We are told that Potiphar's house was blessed for Joseph's sake (39:5). Would that blessing have only occurred while Joseph was favourably treated? Do you think that people around us, who are kindly and helpful to us, who are not Christ's brethren, are blessed for our sakes?

39:21 Once again we see that Joseph was not forgotten by God, and was shown mercy by the keeper of the prison, and was put in charge of all prisoners. Joseph, even during these difficult times would have always remembered that "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their cries" Psa 34:15

Reading these chapters and trying to imagine what life was like for Joseph is heart-rending - and yet all this took place that God's purpose might be fulfilled, not just for Joseph, but for all His people of all times.  When God brings about these devastating changes in our lives, let us look up and thank Him for shaping us - for loving us - for caring enough to make us comply with His ways, that we might be saved by His loving chastening hand.  Heb 12:11

Yahweh was with Joseph and he prospered (39:2).  Joseph's master also observed this (39:3).  But, how was his master aware of this, seeing he was an idolatrous Egyptian and not a follower of Yahweh?  It must have been through two things:  the observable conduct of Joseph; and Joseph's open confession that his strength and direction came from his God, Yahweh.  Do we proclaim the glory of the Father to strangers by our conduct and confession? 

39  Joseph, at around the age of 17, was sold into Egypt. Doubtless when he went to find his brethren he did not take his Bible and so was sold into Egypt without any access to Scripture. Nevertheless he knew what God required of him. A clear indication that he already, at the age of 17, knew the ‘truth’ and was able to reflect on it and let it guide his life.

40:15 In saying that he was ‘stolen away’ from his own land does not actually reflect what really happened. His own brothers sold him – though Joseph does not say that. He leaves the matter for God to judge. How often do we feel the need to spell things out in a way which does not reflect well on our brethren? Maybe we should take a leaf out of Joseph’s book.

The prison where Joseph was confined was in Potiphar's house - Gen 40:7. How terrible to have your master as your chief jailer, when he was the one throwing you into prison. However, Potiphar apparently later recognised that Joseph was still a man to be trusted, even after he had confined him, because he put Pharaoh's officials in Joseph's care in the prison -- 40:4.

39:5 here we see an instance of the servant being put in charge of his master's household, which takes us back to our recent New Testament reading Matt 24:45 On the one occasion, of Joseph, the servant does an exemplary job, and the household is blessed as a result. On the other, the servant is self-seeking, and the household suffers as a result. In Joseph's case, the household was not obviously one "of faith", but we don't know how many came to know the LORD because of Joseph. We also should always behave according to God's principles, no matter what situation we are in, as we are a witness always to God's grace.

COMPASSION
 
Have you ever been greeted with  a "How are you?" only to find that the person who asked is not actually interested at all? You may have been sad, depressed or sick and the only thing the person who enquired about your health wants to talk about is themselves. Maybe we have done the same to others. We may have had problems of our own on our minds and failed to notice the body language, the emotions or even the words and expressions of the people around us. Many opportunities to serve have been lost in this way.
 
Let's take a look at the example of Joseph. Here was a man with problems: hated by his brothers, sold as a slave, separated from his family, thrown into prison, and nothing to look forward to in the future. Yet as he entered the cell the cupbearer and baker occupied, he cared enough to see that there was something wrong, and to help. "When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh's officials who were in custody with him in his masters house, 'Why are your faces so sad today?'" (Gen 40:6-7)
 
Joseph put the needs of others ahead of his own. He cared, was compassionate, and made the time to listen. Let us follow Joseph's example. Take time to care. Take time to listen and treat others the way we ourselves would like to be treated.

39:23 Whereas the Lord made things ‘prosper’ in Joseph’s hands we should not think that faithful service to God equals material riches. This is a confusion that many make. Material possessions are not as important as pleasing God. The thing which prospered was God’s name being seen. Is this so in our lives.?

39:12 This is the second time that a garment had got Joseph into trouble. The first being his coat of many colours.

40:1 A butler (KJV) was a cupbearer. He had a very responsible job. The chief cupbearer was not just a wine waiter to his master. He was in charge of the royal vineyards and cellars, and was the boss of several hundred people. The Ancient Near East was full of intrigue, with people always trying to grab power from rulers. Poisoning the ruler's wine would seem an easy way for the usurper to dispense with the opposition. And so, the chief cupbearer's job was to make sure that the wine was not poisoned. Cupbearers, therefore, because of their trusted positions, often became the confidants of their rulers. The ambassador for Sennacherib, for example, was Rabshakeh (2Kin 18:17-37). Rabshakeh was the title for the chief cupbearer to the Assyrian court. The other Biblical cupbearer of note was Nehemiah, who was the confidant of Artaxerxes (Neh1:11).

The chief baker held a similar position to the chief cupbearer, being head over all the culinary activities. Because of the important nature of their work, and the close proximity to Pharaoh, both the chief butler and the chief baker were held in high esteem. They were undoubtedly either high ranking nobles, or princes in Pharaoh’s court.

We do not know how the chief butler or chief baker offended Pharaoh. All we know is that Pharaoh held the power of life or death over his subjects.

Joseph like Christ was falsely accused Gen 39:14  with screams and jeers of crucify him and later they took took his garments Gen 39:18. Christ was tempted as we are and shared our human nature as we are imprisoned via mortality. We have the mention of bread and wine and the two men are perhaps not unlike the thieves on either side of Christ  Gen 40:12 with one being saved from mortality Gen 40:21-22 . 

39:2 When the record says ‘Joseph was a prosperous man’ he was a slave in Egypt. By definition he owned nothing, he was owned by another. Joseph’s wealth was not material. He was ‘rich in faith’ – James 2:5

39:10 Potiphar's wife spoke to and pressured Joseph 'day by day', Lot was vexed 'day by day' 2Pet 2:7-8, here Joseph is example of how to deal with the ways of the world, in contrast to Lot.  After v10 we have Joseph's action, in verses 12,13,15,18 of this chapter ten times it uses the phrases 'he left', 'and fled', 'got him out'.  Paul exhorts to be of the same mind 1Cor 6:18, 1Cor 10:14, 1Tim 6:11, 2Tim 2:22.

Gen 39:9 - Joseph views this sin as vile and morally disgusting. Surely to say this he must have been thinking about how God had blessed him so far and how this sin would bring great shame and dishonour to his Creator. Psa 51:4

Gen 39:12 - Joseph forsook the situation that led him to temptation. The message here is clear, move away from situations and danger that would cause you to sin. He doesn't wait and converse with her, he removes himself from the environment immediately. We can learn a lot from this.

Gen 39:20 - Here is a man imprisoned for rejecting immoral acts, yet he does not complain or curse. Picture the scene.

How do we measure up against unjust treatment, do we complain? Surely here we have a type of Christ 1Pet 2:23

39:18-20 Joseph clearly made no defence of his position. He ‘suffered wrong’ thus manifesting a spirit which should allow us to be defrauded rather than seeking our own defence – 1Cor 6:7

In chapter 40, we see the commencement of a train of events which would ultimately result in Joseph being freed from prison.  The men concerned with bread and wine were freed Gen 40:20-22, but it was to be another two years before Joseph gained his freedom Gen 41:1

The process whereby we obtain our freedom has already started and we celebrate the fact weekly with bread and wine.  We don't yet have that freedom, but it will surely come, if we wait patiently as Joseph obviously did.  In the meantime, we must be careful that we don't act as the butler did, and forget what has been done for us 7911 "to mislay, be oblivious of". Every time he poured out Pharaoh's wine, the butler should have remembered the means whereby he gained his salvation and who provided that means. "This do in remembrance of me."

Special dreams for ordinary people

Chapter 40 teaches us that prophetic dreams are not just confined to a special few, but that anyone can experience them if God so pleases. In Job 33:15-16 Elihu says that dreams are a method God uses to instruct us.

40:6-7            In noting that the prisoners – the butler and baker – were sad Joseph is going beyond the responsibilities of a jailer. He is implementing the principles of the law of Moses –Lev 19:18 - long before it was ever voiced.

39:1   The word translated ‘officers’ <5631> is regularly translated ‘eunuch’ elsewhere for example 2Kin 20:18 so maybe this partly provides a reason for his wife making advances to Joseph Gen 39:7

40:21,23         Joseph’s life, humanly speaking, had fallen apart. Separated from the things of God with his father he is a slave in a foreign land. However the point is emphasised that God was with Joseph. We do well to reflect on his experiences and God’s care when we feel things are not going as well as we would like in our own lives.

As we read the record of the life of Joseph in our daily readings, we can see the spirit of Christ in his life. When Jesus read of God’s faithful servant Joseph he would have seen the path his Father had mapped out for him and the glory that was promised.

Joseph was one of those who – “…testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow” (1Pet 1:11).

Genesis chapter 39

Genesis chapter 40

39:6 Whereas Joseph was “well favoured” by which I understand that he was good looking, we see that the one he prefigured (Jesus) was not described in a similar way. In fact he was not desirable – Isa 53:2

Gen 39:2 Those who live in fear of Yahweh and study his word will prosper. Acts 7:9 Psa 1

But how did a man who was sold into slavery, imprisoned prosper? He prospered by his charachter saving him from death, from commiting adultery and most of all being reunited with his father and brethren.

I am sure the fact he became Pharoah was NOT a sign of prosperity though we often think it was, I wonder whether it was a further test? EIther way he seems to have passed.

Let our prosperity be not committing sin/adultery and letting our charaters reveal us to be unique to the world around us and in turn be reunited with our loved ones in the kingdom.

40:23   The butler forgot Joseph is an amazing statement. How could one forget the man who interpreted the dream faithfully? However it was not God’s time for Joseph to come out of the prison. Hence the forgetfulness was of God until the appointed time.

39:4,7           Two men committed all they had into Joseph’s hand. A mark of their total trust in him. So he was a servant who had responsibilities towards his masters. Jesus –John 13:3 – into whose hands God had committed everything – likewise did not seek that which pleased men. Rather he was a servant. 

NOTICE A SAD FACE

It wasn't that Joseph was looking for a way out or for an opportunity to interpret someone's dreams, it was just that he cared. Pharaoh's butler and baker had had disturbing dreams."When Joseph came to them next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh's officials who were in custody with him in his master's house, 'Why are your faces so sad today?'" (Gen 40:6-7).

It is easy to see a sad face and pass it over, thinking that they will deal with it; or that whatever it is, is their problem, not ours; or that we have too many troubles of our own to involve ourselves in the problems of other people. Joseph could have used any of those excuses, probably more legitimately than any of us, yet he noticed the sadness and took steps to help in whatever way he could.

Paul tells us that "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph 2:10). Maybe a sad face is a clue to one of the good works we should be doing today. All we need to do is to ask, "Why are you so sad today?" Their answer will lead us in what we need to do about it.
 

40:14 Joseph had done nothing wrong and yet he was suffering. So, almost in vain – but in certain knowledge of the truth of his interpretation – he asks that the butler would remember him. Though certain of the purpose of God he still is in despair. In this it reflects our position often. We know that the kingdom will be established. However the trials of this life often swamp us.

40:9   If we think about the butler and the baker we would realise that the baker would probably not see Pharaoh very often whereas the butler would have been regularly in Pharaoh’s presence – possibly as a taster before the wine was given to Pharaoh. In this close position with Pharaoh he was in a better position to communicate with Pharaoh than the baker. Providentially the right dream was given to the right person by God.

39:9  Whilst Joseph has emphasised how he would have violated the trust of his master it was against God that he saw the sin. This is the principle. How we treat others reflects on our attitude to God.

Gen 39 Joseph a type who – “…testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow” (1Pet 1:11).

(For further expansion of types with Joseph in Genesis 39-40, see my posting 2013)

40:14 If the butler had remembered Joseph as soon as he was restored to his office then Joseph would not have been in the right place at the right time when Pharaoh dreamed his dreams. Whist, humanly speaking, the butler could have secured Joseph’s early release he had to wait for the right time. So God was using the time to test Joseph Psa 105:19

40:5 Note that the interpretation comes first, for each dream is "according to the interpretation". God knew what events would happen to each man (the interpretation). But instead of plainly stating these events He transformed each prediction into signs in a dream.

39:13-15  How often have we suffered wrongfully? Did we seek redress? Or did we accept the wrong? Joseph, it appears, suffered the wrong rather than defend himself. In like manner Jesus suffered wrong more than we ever will but he never sought to justify himself. They are examples for us to copy. We should leave vengeance in God’s handRom 12:19

Gen 39:1 Potipher means "belonging to the sun" a pagan now owning a chid of promise. The word gaurd is executioner.

Gen 39:9 Joseph was utterly disgusted at this "great wickedness", it repulsed him v10 so much so he kept well away from her..... Would we so easily refrane? Coudl you imagine what people of the world would say when we told them we had refused the advances of a woman? 

Gen 39:14 she the contempt she has for her husband addressing him as "he" and blaming her husband to others. Compare to how Sara called her husband Lord to others.

Gen 39:20 some think sending Joseph to prison was a way of Potipher dealing lightly with Joseph. Not so, this prison was for the kings prisoners, those who commited treason. It was a place to store people before deciding on execution. Perhaps like death row, Joseph was bound in 40:15 we see a dungeon. Psa 105:17-18 we see Jospeh was locked in fetters and chains connecting his neck to his feet. This was no priviliged punishment for Jsoeph.

Prison Gen 39:20 has a lovely theme threw scripture. (thanks to Brother Ogrady for these notes).

Psa 107:10, Psa 102:20, Psa 79:11 it is not just Joseph that was in prison but us also. Notice that prison is a place where the living await their death.(darkness and shadow of death).

But God listens to the sighing and groaning of his prisoners Psa 69:33, Lam 3:24

What does God do? Isa 42:7, Isa 61:1, Luke 4:18 he send us an envoy to release us. While your in Luke have a look at Luke 4:22 staright after telling the people that he will "deliver the captives" what do the people ask? Is this not JOSEPH's son!!!

But Jesus does not break down the doors or bars to release us, he chose to become one of us. (in nature).

Zech 9:11, Heb 2:14-18, Isa 53:8

Amazes me how one them of a prison often overlooked can indicate so much and even the nature and work of our prision breaker! 

39:15 This is the second time that Joseph lost his garment. The first time was when his brothers stripped him and put him in the pit – Gen 37:23 – on both occasions Joseph suffered. What had Joseph done to suffer this twice? Actually he had done nothing wrong. But God was using circumstances in preparation for His will to be fulfilled in bringing the Jews into Egypt – Gen 15:13- And it all appeared so natural.

40:8-13 Consider what might have happened if  Joseph had not bothered to be concerned about the sad state of the two prisoners.

The deems would not have been told and interpreted and the seeds of Joseph’s dilemma would not have been sown in the mind of the butler. So godly thoughts on Joseph’s part were used by God to eventually secure his release from the prison.

40:2 the reson for Pharaoh’s wrath is irrelevant. The wrath created the environment in which Joseph, though his faith in his God, was able to interpret the dreams of the butler and baker setting the scene to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams two years later. So God’ providential hand was at work in the most natural way. Pharaoh was angry with his butler and baker so that Joseph could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams!

v.2 - 'plantedst' refers to Israel, not the heathen. It is Israel that God has 'planted'. The word here is nata` - it is used of planting gardens (eg Eden Gen.2:8) but only planting with a very long term view. This word would be used of a tree but not of a flowerbed. It carries the idea of deep-rooted establishment. See the use in Gen.21:33, Exo. 15:17, Num.24:6

v.6-8 We have an insight here into the mind of that man who was a 'man after God's own heart'. Here this man of war - this great and mighty warrior, who shed too much blood in his life to be allowed to build the place where God would choose to place his name there (or at least not physically) - places all his trust, not on his weapons, but on his God.

In remembering how God had delivered His people in the past :1-3 the Psalmist is providing a good example for us to follow. We must think about the way that God has worked in our lives in the past so that we can have confidence that He will work in our lives in our present situations.

44:1-3 Whilst the Psalmist speaks of the way that he had heard about the way that God had given them the land he (44:22) sees that the people are now fleeing before those same enemies.  The resolution to the problem is to allow God to search and reveal the heart (44:21) for the problem must be with the people.

Psalm 44  This is a Psalm on behalf of the nation of Israel recognizing God's discipline in the time of adversity and oppression. We first have a series of complaints, V.9,11,12,14,19;  then we see the pleas on behalf of the people. "Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake."

God rewards His people for obedience and punishes them for disobedience. This psalm reflects Lev. 26 in this matter.

Vs.1-8 answer to Lev 26:1-13; and vs.9-16 answer to Lev 26:14-38 (note that the curses in Lev. 26, just like those of Deut. 28, are twice as long as the blessings. Yahweh wishes to emphasize the downside of disobedience).

The psalmist's plea of innocence (vs.17-22) is a confirmation that Yahweh's ways are right and can be equated with confession (Lev 26:40-41). Then, the psalmist's appeal to Yahweh to correct the situation (vs.23-26) matches Yahweh's mercy (Lev 26:42-45).

FATHERS, TELL US
 
It may be a tradition that has been lost.  It needs resurrecting.  How often have we heard older people telling us of what God did for them in their days?  It was a tradition that God began at the Passover meal when the elders had to tell the young children about the way God redeemed them from Egypt.  But it didn't stop there.  The tradition of elders telling the next generation about the works of God in their lives seems to have continued throughout the lives of many of the good kings of Israel and Judah, and even in the life of Jesus, Paul and Timothy.
 
This Psalm puts that tradition into words.  "We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago." (Psa 44:1)
 
God has worked in every generation.  We have all had prayers of faith answered in ways that deserve to be shared with others so that their faith would also be strengthened.  Maybe there have been other ways God has worked in our lives that should be shared with others.  Our young people, with all the ungodly influences that affect their lives, need to hear of the ways God has actively worked in the lives of their elders.
 
So let's pick up that tradition again.  Let's begin to tell the younger generation more than just the Bible stories of the men of old, but also the stories of faith and God's works in our own generation.  Let's let them know that God is still alive and working today.

v.17-18 - We know enough of David to realise that these words are not spoken in pride.  There is a tendency to avoid such self-congratulatory type of statements, fearing that this will represent a wrong attitude and is bound to condemn us.  This clearly is not the case.  We must develop the ability to see when we have done well and to thank God for it.

Either this Psalm was written late in Israel's history, or it is a remarkable prophecy of the troubles to come. Look at Psa 44:11, where Israel is "scattered among the heathen". The writer is enabled to see through his prophetic eye, the trouble which will come onto God's people.

44:1,4      Because David had ‘heard’ about God’s work for Israel in the past he was able to say ‘Thou art my God’. He could put confidence in a God who had already demonstrated His faithfulness.

V.1 As we read through the law, one thing is continually repeated is the direction to "Tell it to your children, and your children's children" Here we read that this commandment was followed, in the recognition of the discipline of God.

It is interesting as we read through this Psalm to see the change of direction. Maybe this should be recorded as two Psalms. In the opening verses we have a joyful celebration showing the things that God has done for His people. In verse 9 everything changes "Thou hast cast us off, and put us to shame", This lament continues until the final verse, where we have an appeal to God to take them back "Redeem us for thy mercies sake"

44:6 In asserting that he will not trust in his own weapons David differs from all of us. Generally we feel we can sort our own problems out. David was willing to leave things in God’s hand. A powerful lesson for us.

Standing aside from rebellion

The claim of verses 17-18 is simply not true of Israel. They had forgotten God, dealt falsely with His covenant, and departed from His paths. So this Psalm is obviously personal to the writers, not Israel as a whole. The title of this Psalm reads "a contemplation of the sons of Korah". Korah had been the instigator of the rebellion against Moses (Num 16) but his sons refused to be led by his example, standing aside from his sin, and thus their lives were spared. The Psalm is quoted in Romans relating to us (Rom 8:35-39). Paul seems to be likening us to the sons of Korah who, despite family and peer group pressure, remained faithful. The lesson from these two chapters is that God will always look after us if we stand aside from doing evil, even though our circumstances at times may be difficult (Psa 44:23-26, Rom 8:37).

44:1 Clearly we see the value of God’s injunction – Exo 19:3 – to instruct their children. David’s was able to reflect upon God’s past care when thinking about his own position.

Psa 44:22;Rom 8:35-36.

44:14 In saying that God had made them a ‘byword’ the Psalmist is quoting Deut 28:37

44:6-8   David had slain Goliath – but he recognised that the deliverance was ‘of God’ – how often do we think our successes are of our own doing?

44:11-12        That Israel and by implication the individuals in Israel, were to be seen as “sheep” is clear from, for example Eze 34:2and is used on other occasions – Psa 74:1, Psa 79:13 – by David.

Psa 45:1 - in the subscription for Psalm 44 is "Shoshannim" <7799> which can mean lilies and perhaps has a relation to Spring and the time of the Passover, perhaps suggesting  Psalm 44 was to be sung at the Passover festival. Some feel Psalm 44 may relate in part to a Passover deliverance in the days of Hezekiah against Sennacherib's host.

Contrast Psa 44:8 "In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah." with Psa 44:22 "Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter."

Psa 44:11 - "Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen." - could this have multiple applications up to and including 70AD?

44:22    This verse is quoted – Rom 8:36, 2Cor 4:11 to speak of the fate that can befall the servants of Jesus. Faithfulness to God has never been a guarantee against tribulation and persecution.

INSPIRATION FOR GENERATIONS

If Christ remains away, how will our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren view our lives? Listen to the way the people of Israel viewed their ancestors: "With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them." (Psa 44:2-3)

The sons of Korah, who wrote Psalm 44, viewed their ancestors as having God with them, living faithful lives, being loved by God, and doing what they did in the strength of God. Will our descendants see something similar in our lives? Will they see us living a faith filled life, with God's love overflowing on us, doing extra-ordinary things because we live in the strength of God rather than our own strength? The legacy we leave for them to remember tomorrow is the life we are living today.

Let us aim to be remembered as godly people whose strength is in the Lord. Let's live today in the way we want to be remembered. Let's live today in a way that will inspire the next generation.

44:23    The call of the Psalmist to the Lord to awake and, by implication, to save is echoed in the cry of the disciples – Luke 8:24 – when Jesus was asleep in the boat during a storm. 

Psa 44:2 I love the theme of planting and trees through scripture, Yahweh is our gardener/husbnadman he takes us and plants us in a garden 1Cor 3:8 the theme stretches all the way from Gen 2:8 where he took a man from the world led him by the hand to a garden or sanctuary, though he was expelled he seeks to return us 2Sam 7:10 it is the desire for our heavenly gardener to return his planting to a beautiful garden where he can fellowship with his people.

Isa 51:3 For Yahweh shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden Yahweh; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

44:5       The earlier part of the Psalm shows that David had learnt what God had done for Israel in the past. This encouraged him to trust that God would deliver him in similar ways. Do we use the way in which God has cared for us in the past as an encouragement when we see troubles ahead in our lives?

44:1    Clearly Jesse, David’s father, spoke of things like the Exodus, following the injunction ofDeut 6:7. But equally importantly it is clear that David listened to his father recounting Israel’s history.

44:4   The statement “thou art my king” speaking of God should be understood against the background that David was on the throne. It is not a denigration of David. Rather it is a realisation of who, really, was ruling Israel.

44:6-8 Probably the hardest thing for us to do is to truly believe that God is able to do what we need. When things happen which suit our desires it all seems so natural.

44:22-26 Whilst we do not know precisely why David spoke like this it might cause us to wonder how often we plead with our God to intervene in this world’s evil ways and establish the kingdom of God.

44:5 David could easily have considered that his victories were because of his own military skills. However we notice that the recognition is that Yahweh is the one who delivers.

44:6 We see that David did not trust in his own military prowess. We might ask why that was. After all he had been successful in his first battle (against Goliath). David actually explains his way of thinking and it was a consequence of what he had heard. He had been told, probably as a child, of the way in which Israel’s God had delivered them from their enemies (44:1-3). Clearly the injunction of Deut 6:7 had been followed by his parents to good effect. Our confidence in our God will be enhanced by reading about His exploits on behalf of His people in the past.

HOW TO GROW FAITH

If you want to grow your faith, take some lessons from the first part of Psalm 44.

1. Listen to people who have seen God working in their lives. "O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us what deeds you performed in their days, in days of old." (Psa 44:1).
2. Acknowledge that the work was God's work and not a random act of chance or achieved by the strength of our own hands. (v.3).
3. Verbally declare God as your King. "You are my King, O God" (v.4)
4. Say to yourself (preferably out loud) that it is through God that victory will come. (v.4-7).
5. Boast to others about God and his strength in your life. In doing this you are going to become more convinced of his power in your life yourself. (v.8). Do it all the time.
6. Give thanks to God for as many blessing in your life as you can name. (v.8). Giving thanks helps us grow in positivity and faith.

The last half of Psalm 44 takes us through a dark time in the psalmist's life. But it is the beginning of the psalm, his growing faith, that sees him through to the end. Let's grow our faith so that when dark times come, our strength in the Lord will see us through.
 

44:6 David knew that he was God’s anointed and had promises made to him that God would certainly fulfil. In such circumstances one might have thought that David could have confidence in his own strength. After all he had been given promises that required him to remain alive. But no, because of those promises and God’s ability to fulfil them he does not trust in himself.

We have had promises made to us by our Father so like David, we should rely on our Father to keep His word even though at times their fulfilment might seem a very unlikely prospect.

44:6 David, of all men, could have had confidence in his fighting ability. He had killed a bear and a lion – 1Sam 17:34 . However then, as now David saw his strength coming from God. Where is our confidence? And is it in that place all the time?

v.6-13 - This action is rated with importance by Jesus, so much so that v.13 says that the story should be put on record for all time. Why? Well, the reason comes out in Luke 7:44-50, which, although in a different time period in its recording, appears to be a parallel account. It is a pattern for us of the way in which we too obtain forgiveness and peace through faith and devotion to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus warns his disciples 'not to trouble her'. We have the same protection, and there is strong punishment for those that do it - Gal.5:12.

v1 - 'and it came to pass' marks a break point in Matthew's Gospel account and is found on five occasions. Matthew 7:28 11:1 13:53 19:1 (26:1)
Here are some parallels between the meal at which Jesus' feet(head) were anointed in Bethany and the 'Last Supper'

:11 In commenting about the poor always being with them Jesus is not making a callous comment and being selfish. Rather he is presenting a Biblical principle - he is quoting Deuteronomy 15:11. Deuteronomy 15 speaks of the year of release and how 'open handed' the Jews were to be. Judas was not manifesting this spirit and so the rebuke from Jesus was most appropriate

ANOINTED

As Jesus sat at the table in the hose of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with a very expensive jar of perfume, which she poured on his head. Jesus described this action by saying, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." None of his disciples had done anything like that for him - in fact, they complained about the waste of money in that it could have been given to the poor. But Jesus meant more to her than all the poor in the world and so she expressed her love in the best way she could and anointed him in preparation of his burial.

Jesus reply to his disciples did not excuse them (or us) from looking after the poor, but what he said put our priorities into perspective. Jesus must come first in our lives above all else. He must be the centre of our affection as he was to the woman with the ointment. And even though Jesus is in heaven and not physically with us, we can still anoint him ourselves. We anoint him by pouring out our love on him, by praying to him, by serving him the best we can, by praising him and by bringing others to him. Take a moment to feel her passion as she anointed her Lord. Now we must anoint him ourselves with all the love we can. May we too, do beautiful things for him.

:39 In his prayer when Jesus says 'not my will but thine' he is echoing the sentiments of David when he fled from Absalom and Zadok brought the ark to him (2 Samuel 15:26)

After Jesus instituted the Last Supper with his 12 disciples, Judas departed to carry out his evil plan. Jesus tells the 11 disciples that they will all fall away, because of him; he tells them that: "he (God) will strike the shepherd (Jesus), and the sheep (disciples) of the flock will be scattered" RSV Bible. This is familiar language to us English readers. Suppose we read the same verse in a French language Bible: This language has genders, and when we read 'sheep' the word is 'brebis' and it means feminine sheep (ewes). Jesus is talking to men, so why do the French translators use the female gender? these French translators use the same source as the RSV translators; so we need to search a bit further for more evidence for the answer. John 1:29 and 36: John saw Jesus approaching him and he said to disciples standing nearby: "Behold the lamb of God", the French version Bible says 'agneau' , agneau is the masculine word for sheep. Now there are 2 words for sheep. Readers you will see the difference between the 2 words: there can be only one person, Jesus who is "the lamb of God" . all other believers who accept this fact as a true statement, must be classed as sheep (feminine gender). Another title used of Jesus is: "the Bridegroom", and the true followers of Jesus are called "the Bride of Christ". There are numerous references in the Bible to 'the sheep', each time in the French "Segond Version of the Bible", it uses 'brebis' as the word for sheep; likewise, when it has reference to the 'lamb of God' it uses the word 'agneau' .

26:14 In going to the chief priests Judas left a joyful event in Bethany to walk in the darkness the two or three miles into Jerusalem. His heart was not with the joyous group in Bethany. Rather his heart was full of greed.

v.50 - In referring to Judas as 'Friend' Jesus is drawing our attention to Psa 41:9 where David refers to his friend with whom he ate bread lifting up his heel (heel is interesting as a reflection of Gen 3:15) against him.

Matt 26:32  "I will go before you into Galilee" it was indeed in Galilee that the risen Saviour met with these eleven men.(Matt 28:16) and later with more than five hundred of His followers. (1Cor 15:6) What is even more significant, this is where they were originally called.

Jesus visited Simon the leper's house in Bethany (vs.6-13).  By piecing together the other gospel accounts, we can get a more complete picture.  We know that Simon was a Pharisee (Luke 7:36-40).  We know that it was Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with the ointment (John 12:3), while her sister Martha served at supper (v.2). Martha's serving would indicate that she was at home.  Therefore, Simon the leper (cured by Jesus?), entertained Jesus for dinner at home with his children Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  But we are told of one other person present at that meal - Judas (John 12:4). Judas' father was named Simon.  Would it be a stretch to conclude that Judas was also the son of Simon the leper, brother of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?

v.39,50 - Jesus reference to Judas is, I suggest, possibly, his acceptance of his Father's will.  It has been suggested to me, and I feel this is likely to be right, that when Jesus prays in v.39 that God's will be done over his, he is not asking for the death to be taken away - we know it was his desire to bring God's purpose to fruition and we know he had no reason to fear death - but that his death should not be brought about by this his great friend (and likely oldest son of Simon at Bethany whose household and family had been so good to him).  Here in v.50, Jesus resigns himself, as always, to his Father's requirement, as we should.

26:7  The pouring of ointment is like Song 1:3 where ointment being poured out is likened to a good name.

1) The two false witnesses actually brought up something which Jesus had said 3 ½ years earlier. Matt 26:60,61 records what the Lord had said on His first visit to Jerusalem after His baptism, in John 2:19.
a) It’s amazing that such a comment was remembered after all that time, and b) although they are described as false witnesses, what they said was true.
2) In Matt 26:65 the high priest rent his clothes.  This was strictly forbidden in Lev 21:10. But the high priest’s action had a hidden meaning, which probably he himself did not recognise. Here was the real Priest, after the order of Melchizedek standing in front of him. His Levitical priesthood was to be replaced by that of Christ.

26:8The word ‘waste’ <684> is the same word translated ‘perdition’ in John 17:12.

26:1    And now we enter the final phase of Jesus’ life as marked by the phrase ‘when Jesus had finished’ which starts in Matt 7:28and occurs a number of time in the gospel.

Jesus was arrested by the chief priests (v.57).  Thirty pieces of silver had been given to Judas, the betrayer, to deliver Jesus to them (vs.14,15).  Perhaps the psalmist is reflecting the Lord's feeling of entrapment, at this time, when he says: Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me (Psa 22:12).  But why was this image used?  It is a picture is of a helpless man in danger of being gored to death.  I wonder if a connection to the Law can be made here.  Take a look at Exo 21:32.  The elements here are: the bull; the servant; the slavemaster; the owner.  Could the bull represent the Law; the servant represent Jesus (see Isa 42:1; Matt 12:18); the owner represent the Jewish authorities; the slavemaster (Heb. adon = controller) represent Judas?  Notice that the bull's goring the servant resulted in the death of the bull (the Law was fulfilled by Christ).  Jesus had warned the Jewish authorities of their errors, but instead of repenting they killed Him.  Therefore, they would die never to be accepted into the kingdom (Luke 13:28).  Jesus' warning and their subsequent deaths seem to fit Exo 21:28,29. 

26:2 In saying ‘ye know that after two days ...’ we are able to see that we have now begun another day. Thus confirming that the day which started in Matt 21:20 has ended and almost incidentally confirms the structure of the week that we have when we put together John 12:1and the details of the days of the week given in Mark 11.

Jesus needed comfort

Having just spoken to the disciples in ch25 about comforting and looking after one another (25:35-36), we now see what was on Jesus' mind as he taught them. His own need for comfort. In v1-2 he immediately mentions the nearness of his crucifixion. It is very sad then to see that all the disciples behaved as the wicked servants of the parable (25:42-43) by not providing help or comfort in his time of greatest need. See v 8, 40, 43, 45, 69-74. Yet Jesus was desperately in need of comfort as we can clearly see from his own words (v38), and therefore verse 2 could be seen as his cry for help from his disciples.

None of the proud disciples could help Jesus at all, but comfort came from a woman (v7-13) and a thief (Luke 23:39-43). When they realised they had failed Jesus, the disciples were forever changed by the ordeal, finally being humbled and recognising that they couldn't be equal to Jesus, but accepting their own weakness and need. It was only with this change to their characters that they could now truly follow Jesus and be a comfort to his followers (see Matt 18:1-4, Luke 22:31-32).

26:23 In quoting Psa 41:9 which recounts the treachery of Ahithophel we gain an insight into how Jesus sees the upcoming events. He must have seen them as a repeat of the way in which Absalom sought the throne and used David’s counsellor to bring about that end.

26:58  We see here a progression similar to that in Psalm 1. 

Matt 26:58: Peter followed afar off - he walked  with the crowd towards the palace of the high priest. 
He then stood at the door of the high priest's palace: John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. 
We then read in Matt 26:69 that he sat without in the palace.

v49: The proof of Prov 27:6

WHO IS IN CONTROL?

Peter was self confident. He thought he could overcome any temptation that might take him away from his Lord. Jesus told his disciples, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me." (Matt 26:31) Peter's response to this statement was to say, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." (v.33) Peter thought he was in control. He thought that by his own strength he would be able to stay faithful no matter what. But again Jesus replied, specifically to Peter this time. "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." (v.34)

How often do we think we are in control of what we do in our lives, just like Peter thought about his? But who was really in control? It was Jesus! He knew what was going to happen, and it happened just as he said. Peter proved that the control he thought he had was actually out of control when he denied his Lord.

Though Jesus knew he would be crucified in the garden he did not run away - the garden was the place he went to. Though the disciples would flee, Jesus stood firm. When Judas appeared in front of Jesus to betray him, Jesus said, "Friend, do what you came for." ( v.50) Jesus was completely in control all the way.

We may think we are, but we are not really in control. It is Jesus who can take control of what happens in our lives. Our job is to have the faith to let him take the driver's seat and to seek his guidance in all that we do. When our lives are in his control we know that we will never be out of control.

DEFINING MOMENT

When we look back on our lives as we reach the end of our years, I wonder if we will be able to see a defining moment that has become a summary of who we are and what we stand for, or a decision that has changed the course of our lives for either good or bad.

In the last day or so of Jesus' ministry, two people had those sort of defining moments. The first was a woman who poured a jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus' head as he reclined at the table. (Matt 26:7) We have no idea what the rest of her life was like, but that one decision and action is the one that defines her, the one that has been "told in memory of her." (v.13)

Soon after this happened, Judas also made his defining moment when he went to the chief priests to negotiate a betrayal of Jesus. (v.14-16) He followed a little later with the kiss of deception. No matter what good Judas had done as a disciple of Jesus, the fact that he betrayed the Lord is the one event in his life that defines him for us.

Let us make sure that if our defining moment is still to be written, we make it into a moment that will be remembered for good - especially by God.

26:13  We learn that Mary’s acts are to be ‘told’. The Greek word translated ‘told’ <2980> is elsewhere translated ‘speak’ It is as if her actions are as if they were spoken words.  Thus it is with our lives. Actions speak louder than words.

26:35 When we speak of Peter being the one who adamantly asserted that he would not deny Jesus we should be aware that all the disciples said that. It is only Peter who is highlighted in the record but the others were the same. They all forsook him and fled – Matt 26:56

Matt 26:11

“For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.”

We read in Matt 28:20 wherein Jesus says, “…lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (age).”

These seemingly contradictory verses are both true, they just speak of different respects! Jesus physically left, but the spirit of Christ, his Word, is always with us.

Matt 26:20-23,25 - the apostles said "Lord<2962> is it I" but we have Judas saying "Master<4461> is it I" - is it possible that by this time Judas couldn't bring himself to call (or perhaps even view?) Jesus as "Lord" and thus used a name more in accord with a teacher? - from a talk given by Kevin Mayock.

26:39-40        Jesus’ threefold prayer echoes the sad state of David as seen in Psa 42:5,6,11

Matt 26:17; (cf. Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7)

"Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?"

Letter 1: A reader writes: “... Just wondering when Jesus says that he desires to eat ‘passover’.”

My reply: ... Jesus desired to be able to eat the Passover with them, but he knew he would not be able to, having been sacrificed as our Passover Lamb (1Cor 5:7). Instead of going into a detailed explanation of how he would be crucified by the time they came to eat the Passover meal, Christ simply told ­Peter and John to go to prepare for the upcoming Passover. They would be observing the Passover the next day, but not Christ. He knew it would be his last supper with them at which time he instituted the memorial breaking of bread.
The Greek word for the phrase, “with desire” is Strong’s # <1939>, epi­thumia. Strong's defines it as “a longing (especially for what is forbidden).” This word is translated in the King James as “lust” thirty-one times out of the thirty-eight times it appears. Hence we can understand Strong’s definition of “a longing especially for what is forbidden.” Why would Jesus use this phrase relative to the Passover when there are several other Greek words Jesus could have used to express a good desire, desire that is not forbidden? Christ's time had come to be offered up (cp John 8:20).
Furthermore, Judas left the supper with the money bag with him. The disciples thought he was going to buy things needful for the Passover (John 13:29). The betrayal, the trial and crucifixion all occurred before Israel ate the Passover. The Apostle Paul reveals that the Lord's Supper took place on the night in which he was betrayed, so we see that all these events could not have taken place at the actual time of the Passover meal (1Cor 11:23-24).

Letter 2: The same reader later writes:  “Could they have eaten their own Passover lamb, and it still be of the same day, (from evening to evening).”
My reply: ... Scripture does not tell us that they ate a lamb during the memorial supper. It is merely a supposition... We read in John 13:1: "NOW before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come... To have the Passover before the actual date of the Passover, they would have broken the Law, which we know Christ did not do! The Passover was always to be kept on the 14th of Nisan, not before, not after, except with one exception when certain Israelites could not keep the Passover on the 14th Nisan because they were defiled. They were granted one month extension, but it still had to be held on the 14th of the following month. This is what the LORD commanded: "Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at his appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season; according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it” (Num 9:2,3,11; cf. Lev 23:5).

Note in John 18:28: "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover.”  This is obviously after the memorial supper as the Jewish leaders had not yet eaten the Passover! Compare this with Luke 22:1-2.

According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Christ ate the passover meal with his disciples on the day when, “they sacrificed the passover lamb” (Mark 14:12, cf. Matt 26:17; Luke 22:7). Mark and Luke both add details that help to clarify the time. Mark says it was “the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the passover.” Luke states it was “the day of unleavened bread when the passover must be killed.” Also, Matt 27:62, Mark 15:42, and Luke 23:54 all refer to that same day as the “day of preparation” (cf. Matt 26:17-20), thus indicating they were all referring to the same day John called “the day of preparation,”  (cf. John 19:14,42). In John 19:14 we read that the memorial supper was indeed, "the preparation of the passover..." John repeatedly points out that the "last supper," the betrayal by Judas, and Jesus’ trial and crucifixion all occurred on the preparation day for Passover before Passover.

There was no way Jesus with his disciples could have kept the Passover according to all the ceremonies entailed in keeping of the Passover. The LORD was very specific as to when Passover was to be kept and how it was to be kept. These are His commands! Let me just add that the arrest, the convening of the Sanhedrin, the transporting of Jesus to Pilate's headquarters, the Jews assembling at the trial, the crucifixion would have all violated the laws of Passover observance. The day began at sundown and observant Jews would have been searching for unleavened bread on the eve of the preparation day to remove all leaven from their homes. It was a serious offense to have leaven in one's home in preparation for the Passover. Note also that Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet at his memorial supper was not part of the Passover ceremony (cf. John 13:4-5).

According to the Historian, Josephus, the Passover lambs were sacrificed between the ninth and eleventh hours, that was between 3PM (9th) and 5PM (11th), Wars of the Jews, Josephus, Book VI, Ch IX, 3. It was the sixth hour (noon) when Jesus stood before Pilate (John 19:14), and Jesus died at 3PM, or ninth hour (Matt 27:45-46), the exact time when the Passover lambs were being slaughtered! 

26:41 When Jesus says ‘the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’ we may be getting an insight into Jesus’ struggle rather than it being a comment upon Jesus’ understanding of the disciples situation. Maybe Jesus in his prayer is indicated in Psa 39:4.

Matt 26:51 Why was Peter carrying a sword?

Song 3:8 Was in fear of the night?

Luke 22:36 Did he misunderstand Peters words?

Such a perpetual man was Peter, but one that loved his master as proved at least one point in his life he was prepared to die for his master, whereas Judas's treachery led to his masters death.

26:60  The Jewish leaders conspired to find false witnesses. However it should have been they who were upholding the teaching regarding how to deal with false witnesses – Deut 19:16-21. So instead of punishing the false witnesses they killed the one who the false witnesses testified against!

HOPE IN THE MOMENT

Often the times we share together when we take bread and wine in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ are solemn occasions. At that time we focus on the death of Christ and the price that was paid for our salvation. But in the midst of remembering the body and blood of the Lord as shown in the bread and wine, there is a glimmer of hope.

As Jesus shared the cup with his disciples, he said this: "Drink from it, all of you. 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 of this fruit of the vine from now on until the day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matt 26:27-29).

The hope that I see in this is that the time is coming when we, along with his disciples who were in the upper room with him, will share wine in the kingdom of God. He was in the upper room with his most intimate friends, and he will share the feast in the kingdom of God with his intimate friends too.
I am looking forward to that time when I can be with my Savior, as his friend, and share a meal of fellowship with him in person.

So let's not just look back at the death of our Lord, but look forward with him, to the great resurrection when we will all be together in fellowship with each other.

26:7    The pouring of the ointment here is echoed in Jesus washing the disciples’ feet where he “poured” the water – John 13:5

26:4    The use by the inspired gospel writer of the word “subtilty” reminds us of the thought processes of the serpent – Gen 3:1. They truly were of their father the devil – John 8:44

26:64 When Jesus speaks of the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven he is advising the high priest that his return will be the fulfilment of Dan 7:13

26:43 we can identify with tired disciples. Their eyes were “heavy” so they slept. However their heaviness was insignificant when compared to Jesus’ heaviness - :37

26:75 In saying that Peter “remembered” what Jesus had said is instructive. If we could always remember what scriptures says we might well be less inclined to sin. Jesus’ antidote to temptation was “it is written” as we see in the temptation in the desert –Matt 4:1-11

26:6 notice how the record says nothing about what Jesus did the whole of that day - the focus is on the events of the evening.

1. Matt 26:1-5 The Plot Against Jesus:

     A. V3 - "Caiaphas<3588>" perhaps was comely on the outside unlike Jesus Isa 53:2 who was perfect on the inside.

2. Matt 26:6-13 Jesus Anointed at Bethany:

     A. V6 - "Bethany<673>" refers to house of figs or house of misery.

     B. Vs 8-9 - (John 12:4-8) it appears Judas negatively influenced the group with his pretending to care for the poor.

     C. Vs 11-12 - (Deut 15:1,12,11 refers to the year of release from sin and death and being 'open handed' to                the poor); the poor will always be with us but there are many passages teaching we are not to ignore the needs        of the poor or be callous to their plight.

3. Matt 26:14-16 Judas Agrees To Betray Jesus:

     A. V15 - 30 meant fit for service and silver referred to redemption; Zech 11:12-13 is a parable of the Good

         Shepherd referring to Christ  with Zechariah acting out his role and Judas being representative of Israel;

         Matt 27:9-10 Jeremiah was mentioned as this was the lead book of the prophetical group which contained

         Zechariah. In Jesus day the group of prophetical books began with Jeremiah.
 

4. Matt 26:17-30 The Last Supper:

     A. V20 - Perhaps the mention of Jesus reclining an echo of his impending death.

     B. V21 - Perhaps the mention of eating (after reclining) suggests how Jesus spiritually feeds us after his sacrifice even to this day.

     C. V26 - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread" - the original breaking of bread was part of a larger meal.

     D. V26 - "Take and eat; this is my body" - but this doesn't support the doctrine of transubstantiation because Jesus was not dead at this time and was eating and drinking with them; the "to be" verb can mean "to symbolize" (John 10:7,9); the sacrifice needs no repetition (Heb 10:10; 7:27); there have been instances of poisened communion making people sick which also negates the possibility of transubstantiation.

     E. V28 - "blood<129>"; "testament<1242>"

     F. V29 - the priest on duty was not allowed to drink alcohol.

     G. V30 - after the memorial feast they went out and sung a hymn which perhaps echoes the joy and song following the resurrection and kingdom age.

5. Matt 26:31-35 Jesus Predicts Peter Denial:

     A. Vs 34-35; John 15:20-21;John 21:15-18 (look up the different words Peter and Jesus use for love in John 21).

6. Matt 26:36-46 Gethsemane:

     A. V38 - Jesus almost died of sorrow; this suggests God (who Jesus reflects) has very strong feelings and emotions as opposed to being some distant or detached creator.

     B. V39 - Jesus did his Father's Will not his own.

     C. Vs 44-46 - after the 3rd prayer they arose from their sleep which reminds me of the resurrection; V45 "Sleep on<2518>", "rest<373>" reminding of the day days Christ was asleep.

7. Matt 26:47-56 Jesus Arrested:

     A. V52 - Jesus didn't use violence (Luke 22:49-52).

     B. V53 - Jesus could have called on over 72,000 angels.

     C. V56 - ALL the disciples deserted Jesus.

8. Matt 26:57-68 Before The Sanhedrin:

     A. V64 - those in the Sanhedrin who tried Jesus will see his return (Acts 1:9-11).

     B. Vs 65-68 - there were numerous illegalities in Christ's trial.

9. Matt 26:69-75 Peter Disowns Jesus:

     A. V71 - "Nazareth<3480>" according to Thayer refers to "one separated".

26:31 Despite the protestations of all the disciples that they would not forsake Jesus he tells them again that they will “be offended” that very night because of their association with Jesus. We know that it happened. However when Jesus said it the disciples were still with him and had protested their willingness to stay with him. Why was Jesus so confident? He explains why saying “it is written…”. Jesus’ confidence in the words of scripture is so great that he bases expectations about the future on what scripture says. Are we so confident? Or do we excuse our lack of confidence on the basis that we feel that scripture does not speak directly to us?

26:1-4 so close to the feast and as yet the religious leaders do not have a plan as to how to trap Jesus but the scene is set for Judas to leave the meal in Bethany to go to the chief priest – Mark 14:10

26:60 The inspired record is intent on making the point that the witnesses were “false witnesses”. Given that all of those involved in the sham trial had already decided that Jesus was guilty we should ask who highlighted that the witnesses’ testimonies did not agree with each other  - Mark 14:58-59. Details of Jewish leaders who became associated with Jesus after his crucifixion possibly give us the names of those who highlighted the inconsistencies.