Take This Cup From Me

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Take This Cup From Me

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

 Matthew 26:38-39

Was there another way that God could have saved humanity? Even if there was, none would be as effective and wide reaching as God’s original plan. No other plan would save more people from eternal death while also teaching the other worlds of God’s love for all of his children.

But another way or another plan was exactly what Jesus was asking from his father. As he began to feel the pain, sorrow and emptiness of all of our sins on his person, Jesus realized just how hard the next few hours would be for him. Our confident Lord, ready to leave all of heaven to die for us, now feeling what exactly that would entail was now looking for a way out.

How close did we get to being eternally lost? Just how much fear and dread was swirling inside Jesus’ soul? He did ever think that he just couldn’t do it?

These are all questions that we can only truly know the answers too when we see him face to face in heaven. But we can already know that it was extremely painful for Jesus. Our sins, the ones we continually do even after giving our hearts to him was part of the pain he felt. How sad to know that even knowing this truth we will undoubtedly sin again tomorrow and the next day.

We truly are unworthy of the gift he gave us. We daily add to the affliction he has already felt yet he saw worth in us. Jesus saw what we could be. Jesus saw who he wanted us to be. He saw us all together in heaven and even with a heart full of pain continued on.

That is the God and Lord we serve. Let us think about that in our daily lives and as we make our decisions.

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:16-17

 

 

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

If It Is Possible

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If It Is Possible

38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

 Matthew 26:38-39

Just how much did Jesus suffer while praying in Gethsemane? While many people believe that the death of Christ started with the whips of the roman guards or when Jesus had to carry his own cross, I would argue that it began here in Gethsemane. I say this, not because of how we see death but how God sees it.

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Matthew 19:16-17

You will notice in this story that while the rich young ruler was desiring eternal life, Jesus claims that a person doesn’t even begin to live until he is connected to God (Jesus talks about keeping the commandments but with context you realize that it isn’t in the earthly way the Jews kept it but in the relational way Jesus could keep it because of his connection to the Father). That would mean that you lose your life the second you are separated from God. And how are we separated from God? It is by sin.

When Jesus began to accept the sins of the world upon himself in Gethsemane, he became separated from his Father. That is why he becomes unsure of God’s will including whether there could possibly be another way outside of the cross to save humanity. That is why it is an angel who must come down and answer Jesus question and not the Father telling him directly. This is why Jesus cries out ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’

More than the nails, whips, thorns, kicks, punches, spit or words, Jesus was most injured and pained by the gulf that separated himself from his Father. Never in the universe in or outside of time had there been a gap between them. This is what Jesus was willing to go through for you. This is the love of God.

 

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Deeply Distressed

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Deeply Distressed

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.

Matthew 26:36-37

This next section of Jesus’ life, I believe, is where his humanity was truly front and center. We don’t see a man who stands tall in the face of violence and pain. We don’t see a man who can, even while hungry, outwit the devil in the desert. No, we see someone who is deeply distressed. We see someone afraid and in anguish. We see someone trying to bargain with God.

But just like Job, we also see someone pushed to the every limit and yet still staying true to God and his purpose. At his lowest point Jesus prevailed and not because he was the Son of God, but because of the relationship he was able to create with his Father during the time he was a man.

That’s what makes Jesus our example. As a human being he was able to overcome through his relationship with the Father and his connection through the Holy Spirit.

There is another lesson here that we also need to understand. Jesus was desperate for help from his friends. He asked, and after almost even begged that they stay up and pray for him. How he longed for their prayers to strengthen him and perhaps for a brief moment while still awake they did.

But in the end, all of his faith and trust had to be on God. That is our reality as well. We all know the benefits and strength we get from family and friends when they help us on our spiritual journey. I’m sure all of you can think of someone who was vital in your growth as a Christian. All of that help is great but in the end, humans cannot ultimately do what only God can do for you. At some point, people will either fail you or simply not be there. At some point, your complete and utter dependence has to be put on God.

Jesus was in deep distress. We too will face these moments, but unlike Jesus we will have another helper. While Jesus could only depend on the Father and Spirit, we can also depend on Jesus himself. We can depend on the part of God which has felt our pains and worries.

And so, we don’t have any excuse to fail. If we follow His footsteps and build that same relationship, we not only can have what Jesus had while a human, but also a loving, compassionate God who has walked in our shoes.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

If I Have to Die

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If I Have to Die

34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.

Matthew 26:34-35

There is such a big difference between speaking and doing. When Jesus, very bluntly, proclaims that Peter will betray him three times we see a classic Peter reaction. He strongly disagrees, even proclaiming that he’d rather die than betray him.

Of course we all know the story. Even when just a few servants ask about his connection to Jesus, Peter shy’s away from his own words. Of course Peter isn’t alone in this. The text makes it very clear that all the disciples agree with Peter and also pledge their undying allegiance- right before running away in all directions.

That is why we must always resist judging others and their actions. I knew of a conference president from Eastern Europe who would fire any and all pastors under him who would get a divorce while employed. You can imagine the shock when he asked to be transferred to become a regular pastor in a small town in the USA only so he himself could divorce his wife and escape the consequence that he would have to do to himself. He thought himself superior in morality to the pastors below him until he himself was in their situation.

The truth is that we don’t know exactly what we would do in a situation that is only theory to us. If someone held a gun to our heads, would we be able to stand faithful to Christ or would we deny him? If we had to choose between our loved ones and salvation, could we still choose God? If tempted in the same degree as a brother who sinned, would we come out faithful or would we too fall into the same sin?

All the disciples thought they were faithful and courageous. All failed.

So what is the remedy? What is the thing that they were missing to keep them from failing?

The Holy Spirit. When they received the power and connection to God through the Holy Spirit, it changed their characters. The same Peter who denied Christ later would encourage being crucified upside down. John who kept his distance when Jesus was arrested, would be boiled in oil and imprisoned on an island for his master. All the apostles would die because of the name of Jesus. All the apostles could stand tall because God was with them in their hearts. The Holy Spirit was their strength and hope.

If we are to stand in the same way, we must carry the Holy Spirit as well.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

I Will Never

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I Will Never

33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

Matthew 26:33

Peter had a bad habit of speaking first, thinking second. He was one of the most passionate of disciples, one of the most fervent and he truly believed what he said but rarely could actually commit to his words.

In this verse Peter makes two big mistakes. The first is comparing himself to others. He somehow thought he was more than the rest. He thought he could do what none of the others could. We should never define our faith in God by how it compares with others. Our relationship and faith with God is unique. It doesn’t matter how others are. It doesn’t matter whether we are more of less than them, salvation is individual with God.

The second mistake is in using the word ‘never’. Humans should never try and live in the absolutes. We must always remember that we were born into sin and no matter how much we may want or desire something, we cannot in ourselves guarantee anything. That is why Jesus says not to make promises but to simply say yes or no. Absolutes are for God. His promises are sure and trustworthy, ours if when done with a pure heart can never be guaranteed. That is also why Jesus says just a little down the text:

41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:41

In the end, Peter denies Christ more than any other disciple. Although he tried his best, following along from a distance and wanting to know what is going to happen to Christ, he ultimately fails in living up to his words. This is course happens because he has still not received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When Pentecost did come, we begin to see a new Peter.

We begin to see a man who he thinks more, analyses the situation and his words to give a good and true report to whomever might be around him. We also see a man whos flesh better matches his spirit. This is something we all can experience. The Holy Spirit is waiting to create a better you if you are willing.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Scattered

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Scattered

31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Matthew 26:30

There are times when it seems like nothing is going right. There are times when we feel like we’ve slipped off the path and are struggling in the weeds. It is easy to think during these times that God isn’t near or that he’s lost us but God is more than we realize. His eye can see into the darkest corner of the world and into the deepest point. Just as Jonah learned in the belly of the fish, you simply can’t run away from God.

Jesus, as he looked forward at his sacrifice took a moment to see the future of his disciples as well. He painfully saw them scatter. He saw the fear that would grip them and how easily they would abandon him. They would scatter like sheep seeing a wolf attacking. He saw that there was nothing he could do except watch them go. It must has been hard to see that but he also never lost hope because he knew that wasn’t their end.

32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32

Just like the disciples, there are times that we too will scatter from Jesus’ presence. At some point it is almost guaranteed to happen because of our sinful natures. When you read through the Bible, even the greatest heroes had their falls. But like the disciples, Jesus also sees beyond that point. He sees how we can come back to him and regain our faith and closeness. We must also see this. We must not get lost and trapped in the dark times. God will always put a door of escape when we need it.

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Even when we do scatter, let us be ready to be found by our shepherd again.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

All Alone

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All Alone

31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Matthew 26:30

This is an important verse to truly understand all the people involved during this time in Jesus’ life. The traditional story makes Judas to be the big bad guy. He is the betrayer. He is the one who left Christ for his own gain. This verse however makes it very clear that all the disciples leave Jesus. All became afraid and run when they feel their life is in danger.

The best of the bunch is Peter, and we believe John, who stayed at a distance from Jesus. These two are like those who are split and don’t know which side of the fence to take. But let’s also remember that it is Peter who then betrays Jesus from a distance three times.

The truth is that Jesus really has no one. At the most crucial and painful point in his life, Jesus was forced to walk alone. His disciples left, those whom he healed were nowhere to be seen and even God himself had taken a step back into the darkness of the night.

When we read that Jesus suffered just as we do, it is not lying. Just as we have moments in our lives when we feel alone and abandoned by all, so did Jesus.

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:14-15

Jesus understand the pain of feeling alone and abandoned. Don’t forget how he cried out to God himself in that dark moment.

But he continued on in faith. That is the power and glory and love of Christ. Even in the darkest, most painful moment, Jesus fulfilled his mission even though he saw no help around him. Let us, like him, have that faith.

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Sing a Song

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Sing a Song

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

                                                                  Matthew 26:30                                    

This is the only verse in the Bible that speaks of Jesus singing. One might wonder what kind of a song he chose considering the event. He had just seen Judas leave to betray him, had his last meal with his friends, knew that his death was here and that he would experience the consequences of a world of sin. On the other hand, he also knew that he was at the very moment of saving his beloved humans, he knew that his hard time on earth was about to end and knew that sin would be defeated once and for all.

Did he sing a happy song of salvation or a sad song of suffering? We will only know that in heaven when we can ask him in person.

But how important would this hymn have been for Jesus. He knew that he needed help in this last chapter of his human life. In a few hours he would be asking his disciples to pray with him.

Singing hymns is a great way to fill your soul. It is a great way to connect with God and be filled with whatever you may need in that moment. If you’re sad, a hymn can cheer you up. If you’re stressed, a hymn can give you peace. If you’re in pain, a hymn can even sooth that as well.

1 Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!

 

Psalm 150:1-3

Whatever you might be going through today, sing a song for God and he will take care of you. If Jesus found the need to do it, how much more do we.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Wine and Blood?

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Wine and Blood?

27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:27-29

The early Christians were persecuted and called a cult because it was believed that they drank human blood. Of course this was just a rumor spread by those wanting to erase Christianity from the area.

The Bible makes it very clear that the juice was just to be a symbol for the blood of Christ. It was something to be done as a remembrance.

Jesus called this part of a new covenant that he was making with the world. No longer was the truth and by extension salvation to be held by just a few. The chosen people, the Jews, had broken the old covenant, distorting its truth and ignoring the evangelistic outreach that was supposed to be attached to it.

Instead now, the new covenant was to be for everyone and anyone who was willing to accept it. Your blood line, birth or heritage meant nothing now. As all who accepted received the spiritual blood of Jesus, everyone was deemed worthy.

By accepting the blood, the person also accepted the sacrifice that caused the blood to be shed. By accepting the sacrifice, the person’s sins were forgiven and a new life was created. This new life would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would build up a character like Jesus himself. That is the plan and covenant that Jesus is talking about here.

Then Jesus said that he’d never drink grape juice again until all were saved and living in heaven. That day is the great feast that is mentioned in the Bible for all the saved in heaven. What’s interesting is that Jesus’ first miracle is found in a wedding feast and it will all conclude in a heavenly wedding feast. Jesus loves symmetry.

Today you have the choice to be part of that new covenant. If you think you’re not worthy, just remember that all the apostles there with Jesus, who drank that juice, would be fast asleep while Jesus needed their prayers in Gethsemane. It is the same apostles who would betray him and run away in just a few hours after this meal.

They were found worthy and so are you.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Did Judas Eat?

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Did Judas Eat?

25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

Matthew 26:25-26

There is much debate among scholars as to the question of whether Judas partook of the Lord’s Supper by eating the bread and wine. John is the only gospel that actually says when Judas left, which took place at the end of supper and after the foot washing. Here in Matthew, Jesus proclaims Judas as the betrayer before starting the ceremony of the Lord’s Supper. Some say that it’s in between verses 25 and 26 that Judas would have left and therefore didn’t partake. Others argue the idea that if Jesus washed his feet, he would have also performed the rest of the ceremony with Judas as well.

Although it’s nice to know the facts, I think arguing over this is missing the mark for two reasons. If this was something really vital for us as Christians to know, it would have been much more clear in the text as the writers and Holy Spirit would make sure there was no doubt. Although some things can be hard to understand in the Bible, it also always explains itself for those things which God knows we need to know.

Secondly, and more importantly in my mind, it makes very little difference if Judas partook of the bread and wine or not. The fact is his heart and mind were already set on their path. Jesus himself says in John 13:27 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”

What this teaches us is that ceremonies, like the Lord’s Supper, while important to our spiritual lives and growth, are of little use if our hearts and minds are not in the right place. Regardless of the bread and wine, we know for certain that Judas partook of the foot washing. The washing did nothing to change his mind, however, and neither would the Lord’s Supper.

Do not allow ceremonies or traditions to take the place of your responsibility of character and choice. Just because you go through all the motions at church means nothing if your character is not focused on God. These ceremonies and traditions are not magical incantations or spells that automatically or magically change our state of mind or character. Our mind and character is only changed through our relationship with God, our giving of ourselves to him, and in the deliberate choices we make within our lives. There is no magic red pill that will change your life outside of your choice and relationship with God.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto