The Wonders of Warning

“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

“He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!’  And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this…

“’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’  Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me…’

“And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.'” Luke 9:22; 22:19-23,31-34,39-40,45-46

Jesus had repeatedly told his disciples about His impending death and resurrection. Every announcement of doom was attached to the announcement of glorious result, and so with warning of the temptation they would face. He was clear in stating that Satan had his eye on Peter, but that He had even bigger plans than Peter’s failures. This disciple had heavenly purpose, and there would be help from on high.

Such is the mercy of God. He tells it like it is: we are sinful, and in the flesh very weak. We will be prickled with temptation from the enemy, but He has bigger plans for us that include victory and spiritual fruit. We are not alone in temptation, and have a great High Priest who has gone before us ever interceding on our behalf. His Spirit convicts of sin. When we do fall, His resurrection victory is applied and He restores and redeems. (Luke 22:56-62; John 16:8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-4)

How well do we know the Lord’s warnings? How has Christ’s example and encouragement fortified our resolve to heed them? Before meeting temptation, are we committed to taking His way out? What are we doing to redeem our errors and honor Him?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.’ ” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Father, help me take Your warnings seriously and learn from Your glorious intervention, to Your praise.