The Slow Drift to Denial

Luke 22:55–62 Peter’s fall shows how quietly and gradually a believer can slip into grievous sin. The Gospel writers mark each step. First, he trusted in himself—confident that even if others fell away, he never would. Second, he neglected prayer; when Christ urged him to pray against temptation, he slept instead. Third, he wavered—fighting, fleeing, … Continue reading The Slow Drift to Denial

A Willing Savior

Matthew 26:47–56 Jesus submitted to arrest by His own choice. He could have called legions of angels to defend Him (v. 53), yet He allowed Himself to be bound and led away. He did this to fulfill the Scriptures, to be the true Passover Lamb, and to carry the sins of the world. His surrender … Continue reading A Willing Savior

A Betrayer’s Kiss

Matthew 26:47–56 In the moment of His betrayal, Jesus meets Judas not with recoil but with remarkable gentleness. The kiss meant to expose Him in the dark reveals instead the tenderness with which He had lived among His disciples. They knew Him as one who welcomed them close—as an elder Brother and a beloved Friend. … Continue reading A Betrayer’s Kiss

A Sanctified Will

MATTHEW 26:36–46 In Gethsemane, Jesus shows us what wholehearted surrender to the Father looks like. His prayer—“not as I will, but as You will” (v. 39)—is the pattern for every Christian life. Jesus Praying in the Garden Much of our unhappiness comes from an untamed, self-centered will. From infancy we insist on our own way, … Continue reading A Sanctified Will

Facing Your Sorrows with Hope

Matthew 26:36–46 In Gethsemane, we see Jesus deeply sorrowful and distressed. Why? Not because He feared death itself—many have faced death bravely—but because He bore something infinitely heavier: the full weight of human sin and God’s just judgment on it. The spotless Son of God was made sin for us. The guilt of the world … Continue reading Facing Your Sorrows with Hope

“This Is My Body” — Matthew 26:26–30

“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 … Continue reading “This Is My Body” — Matthew 26:26–30

True Greatness in God’s Kingdom

Luke 22:24–30 Ambition and pride lie deep within every human heart. Even those who seem humble often struggle when others are honored above them. Envy and jealousy reveal how much we prize our own worth instead of rejoicing in God’s work through others. Jesus redefines greatness. The world prizes power and position, but in His … Continue reading True Greatness in God’s Kingdom

The Lamb and His Betrayer

Luke 22:1–18 Judas Iscariot stands as a solemn warning to every follower of Christ. He walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, witnessed His miracles, and even preached in His name—yet his heart remained unchanged. Outwardly, he appeared genuine; inwardly, he was enslaved to sin. His tragic fall reminds us that proximity to Jesus is not … Continue reading The Lamb and His Betrayer

The Comforting Truth of God’s Providence

John 7:40–44: 40 On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David … Continue reading The Comforting Truth of God’s Providence

The Cross Before the Crown

Scripture: Matthew 25:31–26:2 When Jesus spoke of His glorious return to judge the nations, He immediately reminded His disciples of His coming crucifixion. The timing is intentional—before the crown comes the cross. Before the glory comes the suffering. The destinies Jesus described are eternal. Heaven will be an endless day without night—perfect rest after warfare, … Continue reading The Cross Before the Crown