Betrayed
Good morning, Church. I’m thankful to be back home this week and at Manchester for worship this morning. I appreciate so much all your prayers after the death of my mom. For those of you who’ve lost a parent who was truly what God intends parents to be, you know how the world changes at times like these. God, however, does not leave us alone even for a moment, and I am at peace knowing Mom is resting in Jesus and will one day receive a brand-new body that never again knows pain, disease, or death. Glory be to God for his gracious salvation offered to us in his Son.
That perfect Son of God knew pain. He knew what it felt like to be hated, betrayed, lied about, and abandoned when life got really, really overwhelming. Every time I read this morning’s text, I’m humbled by the reality of what Jesus endured for us even though he could have ended his own suffering with a word. He could have crushed his enemies and enthroned himself without suffering the way he did, but he chose to receive the punishment that would otherwise have fallen on us. And he did it out of love. Selfless, sacrificial love.
This morning we will learn some helpful strategies that will help us faithfully engage the really overwhelming times in our lives like Jesus did. They’re not new, but they are still effective at helping us find courage in the power of God, to be faithful to the will of God, and to endure because of the promises of God.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and need somebody to talk to or pray with, the elders and I are always here for you. Our names and numbers are here in the bulletin every week, so reach out with any need you have, and we’ll do our best to be here for you the way God is always here for all of us.
Mark 14:26-52, Betrayed
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