1 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:12,639 Speaker 1: Life Audio. Thank you for listening to your Nightly Scripture, 2 00:00:13,680 --> 00:00:18,119 Speaker 1: a calming Scripture Center devotional podcast designed to help you 3 00:00:18,320 --> 00:00:21,639 Speaker 1: end each day with God's wording your mind and on 4 00:00:21,760 --> 00:00:26,799 Speaker 1: your heart. Right after this short word from our sponsors, 5 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:41,199 Speaker 1: will reflect on tonight's scripture Matthew, Chapter twenty six. Tonight's 6 00:00:41,200 --> 00:00:45,239 Speaker 1: scripture reflection is written by Sophia Bricker and read by 7 00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:53,000 Speaker 1: Carrie Ichberger. Matthew, chapter twenty six. When Jesus had finished 8 00:00:53,040 --> 00:00:57,240 Speaker 1: saying all these things, he said to his disciples, as 9 00:00:57,280 --> 00:01:01,160 Speaker 1: you know, the passover is two days awi, and the 10 00:01:01,160 --> 00:01:04,240 Speaker 1: son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. 11 00:01:05,360 --> 00:01:07,920 Speaker 1: Then the chief priest and the elders of the people 12 00:01:08,480 --> 00:01:11,800 Speaker 1: assembled in the palace of the high Priest, whose name 13 00:01:11,880 --> 00:01:16,120 Speaker 1: was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and 14 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:20,280 Speaker 1: kill him. But not during the festival, they said, or 15 00:01:20,319 --> 00:01:23,840 Speaker 1: there may be a riot among the people. While Jesus 16 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:26,280 Speaker 1: was in Bethany, in the home of Simon the Leper, 17 00:01:26,760 --> 00:01:29,840 Speaker 1: a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of 18 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,920 Speaker 1: very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as 19 00:01:33,920 --> 00:01:37,759 Speaker 1: he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, 20 00:01:38,160 --> 00:01:42,920 Speaker 1: They were indignant. Why this waste? They asked, This perfume 21 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:45,800 Speaker 1: could have been sold at a high price and the 22 00:01:45,880 --> 00:01:49,960 Speaker 1: money given to the poor. Aware of this, Jesus said 23 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:53,560 Speaker 1: to them, why are you bothering this woman? She has 24 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:56,760 Speaker 1: sent a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will 25 00:01:56,760 --> 00:01:59,760 Speaker 1: always have with you, but you will not always have me. 26 00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:03,920 Speaker 1: When she poured this perfume on my body, she did 27 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:07,160 Speaker 1: it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I tell you, 28 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:11,360 Speaker 1: wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she 29 00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:14,600 Speaker 1: has done will also be told in memory of her. 30 00:02:15,760 --> 00:02:19,040 Speaker 1: Then one of the twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, 31 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:22,400 Speaker 1: went to the chief priest and asked, what are you 32 00:02:22,440 --> 00:02:24,880 Speaker 1: willing to give me if I deliver him over to you? 33 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:28,359 Speaker 1: So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 34 00:02:29,320 --> 00:02:32,639 Speaker 1: From then on, Judas watched for an opportunity to hand 35 00:02:32,720 --> 00:02:35,880 Speaker 1: him over. On the first day of the Festival of 36 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:40,280 Speaker 1: Unloved Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, where 37 00:02:40,320 --> 00:02:42,200 Speaker 1: do you want us to make preparations for you to 38 00:02:42,240 --> 00:02:46,480 Speaker 1: eat the passover. He replied, go into the city to 39 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:49,960 Speaker 1: a certain man and tell him. The teacher says, my 40 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:53,120 Speaker 1: appointed time is near I am going to celebrate the 41 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:56,919 Speaker 1: Passover with my disciples at your house. So the disciples 42 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:00,399 Speaker 1: did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the past her. 43 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:04,400 Speaker 1: When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with 44 00:03:04,480 --> 00:03:08,120 Speaker 1: the twelve, and while they were eating, he said, truly, 45 00:03:08,200 --> 00:03:12,200 Speaker 1: I tell you, one of you will betray me. They 46 00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:14,639 Speaker 1: were very sad and began to say to him, one 47 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:19,320 Speaker 1: after the other, surely you don't mean me, Lord Jesus replied, 48 00:03:19,960 --> 00:03:22,160 Speaker 1: the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl 49 00:03:22,200 --> 00:03:25,560 Speaker 1: with me will betray me. The son of Man will 50 00:03:25,560 --> 00:03:28,919 Speaker 1: go just as it is written about him. But woe 51 00:03:28,960 --> 00:03:32,000 Speaker 1: to that man who betrays the son of man. It 52 00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:34,600 Speaker 1: would be better for him if he had not been born. 53 00:03:35,520 --> 00:03:39,320 Speaker 1: Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, surely 54 00:03:39,400 --> 00:03:43,720 Speaker 1: you don't mean me, Rabbi, Jesus answered, you have said so. 55 00:03:44,760 --> 00:03:48,080 Speaker 1: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he 56 00:03:48,120 --> 00:03:50,960 Speaker 1: had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to 57 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:55,320 Speaker 1: his disciples, saying, take and eat. This is my body. 58 00:03:56,040 --> 00:03:58,720 Speaker 1: Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, 59 00:03:59,080 --> 00:04:01,360 Speaker 1: he gave it to them the same Drink from it, 60 00:04:01,480 --> 00:04:04,080 Speaker 1: all of you. This is my blood of the covenant 61 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:07,600 Speaker 1: which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 62 00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:10,800 Speaker 1: I tell you I will not drink from this fruit 63 00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:14,480 Speaker 1: of the vine from now on until that day when 64 00:04:14,520 --> 00:04:16,960 Speaker 1: I drink it new with you in my father's kingdom. 65 00:04:17,720 --> 00:04:20,279 Speaker 1: When they had sung a hymn, they went out to 66 00:04:20,320 --> 00:04:24,680 Speaker 1: the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them, this very night, 67 00:04:25,120 --> 00:04:27,800 Speaker 1: you will all fall away on account of me, for 68 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:31,479 Speaker 1: it is written I will strike the shepherd, and the 69 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:34,479 Speaker 1: sheep of the flock will be scattered. But after I 70 00:04:34,520 --> 00:04:37,200 Speaker 1: have risen, I will go ahead of you in Galilee. 71 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:41,760 Speaker 1: Peter replied, even if all fall away on account of you, 72 00:04:42,279 --> 00:04:46,400 Speaker 1: I never will, truly, I tell you. Jesus answered, this 73 00:04:46,640 --> 00:04:50,279 Speaker 1: very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me 74 00:04:50,360 --> 00:04:54,320 Speaker 1: three times. But Peter declared, even if I have to 75 00:04:54,400 --> 00:04:57,520 Speaker 1: die with you, I will never disown you. And all 76 00:04:57,560 --> 00:05:01,039 Speaker 1: the other disciples said the same. Jesus and went with 77 00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:04,359 Speaker 1: his disciples to a plead's call against Semone, and he 78 00:05:04,400 --> 00:05:07,159 Speaker 1: said to them sit here, while I go over there 79 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:10,400 Speaker 1: and pray. He took Peter and the two sons of 80 00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:13,880 Speaker 1: Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful 81 00:05:14,080 --> 00:05:17,640 Speaker 1: and troubled. Then he said to them, my soul is 82 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:21,880 Speaker 1: overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here 83 00:05:22,320 --> 00:05:26,240 Speaker 1: and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he 84 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:29,640 Speaker 1: fell with his face to the ground and prayed, my father, 85 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:33,440 Speaker 1: if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me? 86 00:05:34,279 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 1: Yet not as I will, but as you will. Then 87 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:41,520 Speaker 1: he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. Couldn't 88 00:05:41,560 --> 00:05:44,960 Speaker 1: you men keep watch with me for one hour? He asked, Peter, 89 00:05:45,640 --> 00:05:48,680 Speaker 1: watch and pray, so that you will not volunte temptation. 90 00:05:49,400 --> 00:05:52,880 Speaker 1: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. He 91 00:05:52,960 --> 00:05:56,680 Speaker 1: went away a second time and prayed, my father, if 92 00:05:56,720 --> 00:05:58,880 Speaker 1: it is not possible for this cup to be taken 93 00:05:58,920 --> 00:06:02,320 Speaker 1: away unless I drink it, may your will be done. 94 00:06:03,279 --> 00:06:06,880 Speaker 1: When he came back, he again found them sleeping because 95 00:06:06,880 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 1: their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went 96 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:13,000 Speaker 1: away once more and prayed the third time, saying the 97 00:06:13,040 --> 00:06:16,280 Speaker 1: same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said 98 00:06:16,279 --> 00:06:20,200 Speaker 1: to them, are you still sleeping and resting? Look? The 99 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:23,040 Speaker 1: hour has come and the son of man is delivered 100 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:27,080 Speaker 1: into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go. Here 101 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:31,120 Speaker 1: comes by betrayer. While he was still speaking, Judas one 102 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:34,720 Speaker 1: of the twelve arrived. With him was a large crowd, 103 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:38,440 Speaker 1: armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests 104 00:06:38,440 --> 00:06:41,839 Speaker 1: and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had 105 00:06:41,960 --> 00:06:45,080 Speaker 1: arranged a signal with them. The one I kissed is 106 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:49,960 Speaker 1: the man arrest him. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 107 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:55,560 Speaker 1: greeting his rabbi, and kissed him. Jesus replied, do what 108 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:59,960 Speaker 1: you came for, friend. Then the men stepped forward, seized 109 00:07:00,160 --> 00:07:04,480 Speaker 1: Jesus and arrested him. With that one of jesus companions 110 00:07:04,560 --> 00:07:07,919 Speaker 1: reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the 111 00:07:07,960 --> 00:07:12,000 Speaker 1: servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Put 112 00:07:12,080 --> 00:07:15,000 Speaker 1: your sword back in its place, Jesus said to him, 113 00:07:15,200 --> 00:07:17,800 Speaker 1: for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 114 00:07:18,360 --> 00:07:20,760 Speaker 1: Do you think I cannot call on my father and 115 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 1: he will at once put at my disposal more than 116 00:07:23,920 --> 00:07:28,040 Speaker 1: twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures 117 00:07:28,040 --> 00:07:30,440 Speaker 1: be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? 118 00:07:31,280 --> 00:07:34,240 Speaker 1: In that hour Jesus said to the crowd and my 119 00:07:34,320 --> 00:07:37,240 Speaker 1: leading rebellion, that you have come out with swords and 120 00:07:37,280 --> 00:07:40,600 Speaker 1: clubs to capture me. Every day I sat in the 121 00:07:40,600 --> 00:07:44,000 Speaker 1: temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But 122 00:07:44,080 --> 00:07:46,680 Speaker 1: this has all taken place that the writings of the 123 00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:50,520 Speaker 1: prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him 124 00:07:50,560 --> 00:07:54,720 Speaker 1: and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Chiaphas, 125 00:07:54,800 --> 00:07:57,400 Speaker 1: the High Priest, where the teachers of the law and 126 00:07:57,440 --> 00:08:00,760 Speaker 1: the elders had assembled, but Peter followed him at a distance. 127 00:08:01,280 --> 00:08:03,920 Speaker 1: Right up to the courtyard of the High Priest. He 128 00:08:04,080 --> 00:08:06,600 Speaker 1: entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 129 00:08:07,320 --> 00:08:10,480 Speaker 1: The chief priest and the hole Sahedron were looking for 130 00:08:10,600 --> 00:08:14,080 Speaker 1: false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him 131 00:08:14,120 --> 00:08:17,400 Speaker 1: to death, but they did not find any. Though many 132 00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:22,360 Speaker 1: false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared 133 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:26,160 Speaker 1: this fellow said, I am able to destroy the Temple 134 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:29,720 Speaker 1: of God and rebuild it in three days. Then the 135 00:08:29,800 --> 00:08:32,680 Speaker 1: High Priest stood up and said to Jesus, are you 136 00:08:32,760 --> 00:08:36,280 Speaker 1: not going to answer? What is this testimony that these 137 00:08:36,360 --> 00:08:40,680 Speaker 1: men are bringing against you? But Jesus remained silent. The 138 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:43,600 Speaker 1: High Priest said to him, I charge you under oath 139 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:46,880 Speaker 1: by the Living God. Tell us, if you are the Messiah, 140 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:50,720 Speaker 1: the son of God. You have said so Jesus replied, 141 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:54,120 Speaker 1: But I say to all of you, from now on 142 00:08:54,559 --> 00:08:56,960 Speaker 1: you will see the son of Man sitting at the 143 00:08:57,040 --> 00:08:59,880 Speaker 1: right hand of the Mighty One, and coming on the 144 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:04,360 Speaker 1: clouds of heaven. Then the high priest tore his clothes 145 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:08,280 Speaker 1: and said, he has spoken blasphemy. Why do we need 146 00:09:08,360 --> 00:09:12,040 Speaker 1: any more witnesses? Look now you have heard the blasphemy. 147 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:15,920 Speaker 1: What do you think he is worthy of death? They answered? 148 00:09:16,720 --> 00:09:19,280 Speaker 1: Then they spit in his face and struck him with 149 00:09:19,320 --> 00:09:24,120 Speaker 1: their fists. Others slapped him and said, prophesied to us, Messiah, 150 00:09:24,360 --> 00:09:28,400 Speaker 1: who hit you now. Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, 151 00:09:28,640 --> 00:09:31,920 Speaker 1: and a servant girl came to him. You also were 152 00:09:31,960 --> 00:09:35,280 Speaker 1: with Jesus of Galilee, she said, But he denied it 153 00:09:35,320 --> 00:09:38,280 Speaker 1: before them all. I don't know what you're talking about, 154 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:41,920 Speaker 1: he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where 155 00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:45,439 Speaker 1: another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, 156 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:49,800 Speaker 1: this fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth. He denied it 157 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:53,880 Speaker 1: again with an oath I don't know the man. After 158 00:09:53,920 --> 00:09:57,160 Speaker 1: a little while, those standing there went up to Peter 159 00:09:57,280 --> 00:10:00,760 Speaker 1: and said, surely you are one of them. Your accent 160 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:04,439 Speaker 1: gives you away. Then he began to call down curses, 161 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:07,400 Speaker 1: and he swore to them, I don't know the man. 162 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 1: Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus 163 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:16,920 Speaker 1: had spoken. Before the rooster crows, you will just sell 164 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:21,320 Speaker 1: me three times, and he went outside and wept bitterly. 165 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:29,080 Speaker 1: Sometimes we find ourselves wrestling with God's will as we 166 00:10:29,200 --> 00:10:33,680 Speaker 1: prepare for sleep. The next day limbs before us, and 167 00:10:33,760 --> 00:10:38,599 Speaker 1: the question remains unanswered. Will we take the next step obedience? 168 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:41,880 Speaker 1: But as we wearily lay our heads on the pillow, 169 00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:45,439 Speaker 1: we wonder why following the Lord's will is often hard. 170 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:50,360 Speaker 1: Matthew twenty six speaks powerfully to our ponderings because we 171 00:10:50,440 --> 00:10:54,600 Speaker 1: find Christ kneeling in the garden asking the Father to 172 00:10:54,720 --> 00:10:58,000 Speaker 1: take away the cup of suffering. Even as he makes 173 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:01,960 Speaker 1: his request, Jesus humbly submits himself to the Father's will, 174 00:11:02,800 --> 00:11:09,000 Speaker 1: despite becoming pain, separation, and death. Christ prayed, not as 175 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:13,360 Speaker 1: I will, but as you will. The situation did not change, 176 00:11:13,760 --> 00:11:17,079 Speaker 1: or how else would Scripture have been fulfilled. But Jesus 177 00:11:17,160 --> 00:11:21,320 Speaker 1: was strengthened to face the cross, trusting in the perfect 178 00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:24,760 Speaker 1: will of his father. If our Lord could face the 179 00:11:24,800 --> 00:11:29,800 Speaker 1: worst suffering bearing the sins of all humankind and submission 180 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:32,760 Speaker 1: to the will of God. Then we can be encouraged 181 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:37,320 Speaker 1: to walk in obedience. Our God is trustworthy and his 182 00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:41,960 Speaker 1: plan is good. Jesus endured because of the joy set 183 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:46,240 Speaker 1: before him. Following his example, we can look with eyes 184 00:11:46,280 --> 00:11:49,960 Speaker 1: of faith toward the fulfillment of the Lord's perfect promises. 185 00:11:50,960 --> 00:11:54,960 Speaker 1: So tonight, as we've prepared to rest, we can anwardly 186 00:11:55,080 --> 00:11:58,640 Speaker 1: kneel before our great God and pray, as Christ did, 187 00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:04,040 Speaker 1: will be done. It might be hard, it might cause 188 00:12:04,120 --> 00:12:07,760 Speaker 1: us to winds, but doing the will is worth the effort. 189 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:11,920 Speaker 1: As it is our Lord had just served the disciples 190 00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:16,080 Speaker 1: of wine and bread, representing his body and blood given 191 00:12:16,440 --> 00:12:20,960 Speaker 1: for the healing of the world. Father, your son taught 192 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:23,440 Speaker 1: us to pray by asking for your will to be 193 00:12:23,520 --> 00:12:27,720 Speaker 1: done on earth as it is in heaven. He lived 194 00:12:27,800 --> 00:12:31,480 Speaker 1: this teaching by kneeling in the garden and submitting himself 195 00:12:31,520 --> 00:12:35,400 Speaker 1: to your will. Yet I often shrink back from challenges 196 00:12:35,679 --> 00:12:39,559 Speaker 1: that you ask me to face. At night, the obstacles 197 00:12:39,559 --> 00:12:42,920 Speaker 1: in my way to obedience appear larger than in the daylight. 198 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:47,559 Speaker 1: Me the example of my Savior encouraged me tonight. He 199 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,640 Speaker 1: endured the pain of the cross for my sake, so 200 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:54,439 Speaker 1: I could live in freedom, replace my worry with trust 201 00:12:55,040 --> 00:12:59,600 Speaker 1: and my reluctance with confidence. Your will is good, and 202 00:13:00,200 --> 00:13:02,680 Speaker 1: for it to be done in my life. In your 203 00:13:02,720 --> 00:13:08,360 Speaker 1: Son's name, I pray. Amen. How did Tonight's scripture speak 204 00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:12,000 Speaker 1: to you? Share your thoughts in the Your Nightly Scripture 205 00:13:12,040 --> 00:13:12,880 Speaker 1: Forum discussion. 206 00:13:21,440 --> 00:13:26,920 Speaker 2: Thank you for listening to Your Nightly Scripture. Tonight's scripture 207 00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:31,640 Speaker 2: was read from the New International Version by Biblica. All 208 00:13:31,720 --> 00:13:38,400 Speaker 2: rights reserved. If Tonight's episode blessed you, be sure to 209 00:13:38,480 --> 00:13:43,280 Speaker 2: follow the show on Apple Podcasts, so your next Nightly 210 00:13:43,360 --> 00:13:49,120 Speaker 2: Scripture is ready when you are. Your Nightly Scripture is 211 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:54,679 Speaker 2: a production of Life Audio and Salem Media. Thank you 212 00:13:55,600 --> 00:13:57,800 Speaker 2: and we'll see you tomorrow night 213 00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:05,640 Speaker 1: Wenger