Thursday, March 28, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

 

DO What Jesus Would Do

 

Matthew 26:35 "But Peter declared, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.' And all the other disciples said the same."

 

Have you ever given your word to someone and you could not or did not fulfill what you had promised? As a person with a multitude of family, career, and church responsibilities, I am often pulled in many directions. Disappointingly, there have been times that I have been unable to fully fulfill all of my commitments.

Imagine the regret that Peter and the other disciples felt when they disappointed Jesus in His greatest moment of need? Yes, ALL of the disciples let Jesus down that historic night, and He knew that they would! Matthew 26:31 states "Then, Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night..."

 

Although we would like to think that we would have handled things differently, what would we have done? Would we have succumbed to the fear of the tumultuous events unfolding around us? These are two very difficult questions, but the most important question follows: How did God react to their weakness, betrayal, fear? How would He react to us 2,000 years later in our dealings with others?

 

The events that transpired on the Thursday night before Jesus' death provide the evidence of God's great love for us when we cower in fear and walk away from Him. Instead of Jesus reacting in anger to how He knew His disciples would handle the next few days, He responded in love.

 

In true humility, He hosted a meal for His disciples. At this meal, He established the model of 'communion' that most Christians continue to practice today. He also washed their feet demonstrating His true servanthood. Finally, Jesus introduced a new commandment which can be found in John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

 

My challenge to you as you reflect on all that transpired on this special Thursday is to truly search your heart. Are you faithful to extend the kind of unconditional, selfless love to those in your life that Jesus makes available to all of us? Follow His example and reach out to those who have hurt you...with love.

 

Dear Lord, I ask that You guide me in my relations with the individuals who have disappointed me, betrayed me, and not lived up to my expectations. Help me to be more like You each and every day of my life.

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.