Title: The Grace of Jesus
Contents
Bible: Luke 22:47-53
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Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in both the Old and New Testaments. The longest chapter in the New Testament is Luke 22, which we read today. If we divide the contents of chapter 22, the plan of the chief priests and scribes to arrest and kill Jesus first appears, followed by the betrayal of Judas Iscariot selling Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Then comes the Last Supper. Holy Communion is served on the basis of the Last Supper.
After the sacrament was over, a dispute arose among the disciples over who was greater, and then in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that his sweat would become drops of blood. After that, Jesus is arrested.
As these things happened, the chief priests and scribes tried to arrest Jesus and kill him, Judas Iscariot sold Jesus, the disciples quarreled over who was greater, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Peter cut off his ear. All of this happened the day before the crucifixion.
First, Jesus showed mercy to Malchus.
Jesus showed mercy to Malchus. The Bible says that Peter cut off Malchus' ear. Even though Peter was not a regular swordsman, he swung his sword in an urgent situation where Jesus was being arrested. It was for Jesus. Nevertheless, Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, “He who takes the sword will perish by the sword.” And he put the ear of Malchus back on, who came to arrest him.
There is something that is not easily understood here. In terms of good and bad, it seems that Peter for Jesus did better. But Jesus rebuked Peter and put back the ears that had fallen off the horse.
There were religious leaders who tried to kill Jesus, and there were also foolish disciples. Also, there were women who truly followed Jesus, and there were those who said that they were serving Jesus like Peter and put a burden on Jesus.
What they all have in common is that they are not perfect. There are many differences, but they are all people with shortcomings. Some are even wounded. Jesus forgives our sins and covers and fills our wounds and shortcomings. This is the grace and mercy that Jesus bestows.
We realize once again that Jesus did not come to this earth to condemn others, but to heal them and make them whole. He says, “I came to this earth that the sheep may abound and have it more abundantly, not to condemn you to death.”
The second is the grace given to Peter.
Peter likes to go out. I can't stand still and go first. And they often make mistakes. A person with such an urgent personality has a similar appearance to us. This is what Jesus says to Peter. “Simon, Satan has demanded of you to sift you like wheat. I prayed for you so that you would not lose faith. I will strengthen your brethren after you are converted.”
Even when saying this, Peter said, “Jesus, I will go to Jesus’ prison with you, and I will go with you to the place of death. I will never leave Jesus.” Then he said, “Tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he actually denied Jesus three times.
Even when Jesus is arrested, it is for Jesus' sake and he swings his sword and cuts off the other's ear. Although Peter himself said it was for Jesus, the work covered Jesus and the glory of God. However, Jesus cleared all of Peter's mistakes and rectified them.
We must realize this very grace today. “It is the grace of God that I have become who I am. It is entirely by the grace of God that I am here.” We must realize this grace today. At that time, I believe that the grace that came to Peter will also come to me.
Jesus drank the bitter cup called the cross. All suffering and insults could have been avoided, but Jesus did not. He took up the cross and saved us. Among the people Jesus raised, there were religious leaders who wanted to kill Jesus, there were anti-Christians, there were people like Horses who jumped into catching Jesus without knowing anything, and Roman soldiers were included. Jesus died on the cross to give grace to all these people.
As we celebrate Palm Sunday today, I hope you will remember the grace of Jesus on the cross. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter speaks of a confession of how much he was heartbroken, regretful, and repented for his mistake.
The reason that Peter became Peter today is because Jesus took care of the latter part, so today Peter has become the Peter we respect. We are all here today in that grace. Truly, “By grace. by grace It is by the grace of God.” I pray in the name of the Lord that you will become many saints who remember and praise this grace.
2011-09-16 21:28:12