From Matthew 26:47-56 / The Humble King

What an extraordinary scene this text contains. Jesus in glory is on full display. What specific aspects of His glory the Spirit has chosen to highlight here are most interesting and evocative.

Note first: The Savior’s humility. So little did Jesus stand out, it took Judas’ kiss to identify Him. How we flock to “stand outs”, and how He avoided standing out.

In a culture built upon celebrity today, celebrity which has spilled over into the Church – leaders are often trying to make their mark, stand out, do something to be seen apart. Not Jesus. He, in His humility is identifying with us: He comes in the likeness of fallen man. He cares nothing for recognition of self. He has no ego. He cares only that the Father be glorified, and that the Father’s will be done.

Heavenly Father, make this my own heart in all things.

Note second: The absolute wonder of grace.

He is every man’s friend, even when they are His worst enemies. He designs no harm, but reconciliation through the Cross. And yet, in due time, He will judge. Even His “friends”. “Today”, cries the writer to the Hebrews, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” If you can read this, it is not too late to repent of your sin and flee to Christ. He remains “a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (Luke 7:34)

Note third: How He remains utterly in control, when all appears to be cosmically out of control.

It is the feature of almost all anxiety, that we are faced with tings too big for us, and that we cannot change or impact.

News outlets spew hour upon hour of global crises we seem to have no power to effect in any way. Climate change. The economy. War in the Middle-east. Terrorism. The political landscape. Not to mention the demise of our own individual bodies and personal crises of all kinds. So we worry, fret and look for any person who appears to give us hope as a strong champion on our behalf; or for a movement, the unveiling of some gigantic conspiracy that once uncovered will restore all equilibrium, pundits and miracle cures.

All to no avail.

But not Jesus. He stands here, ready to face the horrors or unbridled human brutality and the full fury of The Father’s wrath against human sin – and He is perfectly in control. Not as though He is orchestrating the circumstances – but in perfect self-control. Nothing externally can rob Him of His reliance upon and trust in – the Father.

No wonder the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. God has not charges us with the duty to control the winds and the waves of human upheaval. He has gifted us to depend upon His indwelling Spirit for self-control. The Spirit never, never makes us out of control. He grants self-control while the world spins wildly.

Self-control, is the Spirit of Christ.

Note fourth: Jesus’ absolute confidence in the Father’s providence, in the fulfillment of The Scriptures.

He knows full well the Father’s love, and the Father’s power. And He is content then to commit Himself to the Father’s sovereign providence.

Oh how every Christian needs to see this in our Savior, and cry out to the Father for the same faith to fill our hearts each and every day.

We too, in the very worst of all circumstances, if, IF, we are His by the new birth, can rest in the same perfect love of the Father, knowing His power to keep, sustain and move where wisest and best, and trust His sovereign, providential care.

Heavenly Father – fill me with the Spirit of Christ.

What a wonderful Savior.