Daily Devotional
Victim or Volunteer?
 
Matthew 26:50-54 

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Eventually they would run, but their initial reaction was to fight. As the men with Judas seized Jesus, the disciples asked if they should go after the soldiers with swords. Before Jesus could answer, one of them drew his sword and attacked the servant of the high priest. He aimed for his head; he got only his ear.
 
Jesus' response is instructive. Even as he was being dragged away he told the disciples that nothing was happening outside of God's plan. Twelve legions of angels were waiting on the edge of heaven ready to come to Jesus' rescue. He had only to say the word. However, Jesus explained that the Scriptures said it would happen this way and must be fulfilled.
 
Jesus was not a victim. He did not find himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was not a casualty at the hands of the religious leaders or Roman authorities. Jesus went to the cross on his own and for a purpose. The penalty of sin is death and Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. He bore our sins in his body on the cross. He died so we could live.
 
Lord Jesus, thank you for voluntarily going to the cross for me. Thank you for paying the penalty of my sin. Thank you for the life that you provide - now and forever. In your name. Amen.
 
Have you trusted in Jesus as the one who paid the penalty for your sins? We would love to send you a free booklet that explains God's plan and Jesus' sacrifice. Request your copy by e-mailing us at [email protected].
Today On
The Journey with Ron Moore

A Man and His Temptations - Leaving an Affair 
 (Biblical Manhood) 

 
Upcoming Events
Ron Moore

Ron Moore
Senior Pastor
Find Us
The Bible Chapel
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter    Visit our blog
The Journey with Ron Moore