2023_03_22 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Exodus 12-14, Matthew 26
The last days leading to Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and execution are all intricately woven into God’s purposes. Judas’ betrayal, as despicable as it is, doesn’t derail God’s plan at all. If you haven’t read it yet, please see Kim Feld’s post from Monday. It is about the Passover lamb and how Jesus perfectly completed the picture of God’s intentional design from the initial Passover at Israel’s release from Egyptian bondage to the ultimate fulfillment we see in Jesus.
In Matthew 26, immediately after Judas strikes a deal to betray Jesus to His enemies (Matt. 26:14-16) we read, “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?” 18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’ ” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there. 20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” Matthew 26:17–21 (NLT)
An evidence of God’s deliberate plan is how this last meal with Jesus and His disciples unfolded. Jesus keeps the place, time, and other details to himself until the last minute. The reason becomes clear when we remember that Judas is very eager to get his payoff. Had Judas known the dinner plans he would have set Jesus up there, since it was much more private. Knowing Judas’ plan, Jesus makes sure that this last time with His team is not interrupted, so He withholds some specific information until the last minute. He has some things He needs the disciples to see and hear before His arrest, and He makes sure that happens.
A takeaway for me is that God is fully aware of all that is going on around us. If we choose to trust and follow Him, He will make sure we have everything we need to accomplish the work He has for us. No one and nothing can hinder God. He always has a plan!
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor