Week 25 - The moment of Truth

Theme:

Jesus is tested to the limit, but He remains faithful.

I am also sometimes tested by external forces and also by forces within myself.

What I desire:

That I can continue to follow Jesus on the way He has chosen. 

That I can persevere in my desire to follow Him, whatever that might involve.

Music: St John Passion, J.S. Bach. BWV 245, 1. Teil; 14.

Petrus, der nicht denkt zurück,                   Peter who does not think back at all,

seinen Gott verneinet,                                  denies his God.

Der doch auf ein’ ernsten Blick                   But then at a look of reproach

bitterlichen weinet.                                       Weeps bitterly.

Jesu, blicke mich auch an,                            Jesus, look at me also

wenn ich nicht will büssen;                          when I am reluctant to repent;

wenn ich Böses hab getan,                           when I have done evil,

rühre mein Gewissen!                                   Stir up my conscience!

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/track/56Meua7nI45eVgNxpmhfTy?si=7d041d029ce348a0

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/kGUavIC85BE?si=ww931AMi_URFOiCF

Matthew 26: 30 – 35

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 

They had eaten together, drunk wine together and sung a hymn together. And then Jesus says this. I let His words sink in and consider the impact that these words have on me.

*

Peter declared to him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” 

Peter has more faith in himself than in the other disciples. But Jesus knows better. What does Jesus know about me, about how I would react?

*

Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.

What would be the best way for me to curb these trials coming both from external forces and also from within myself so that I can persevere and continue to follow Jesus?

*

Music: