READING: Mark 14:1-2, Matthew 26:1-5, Luke 22:1-2, Mark 14:10-11, Matthew 26:14-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Matthew 26:17-19, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Mark 14:17-26, Matthew 26:20-30, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:18-30
I can just see the disciples’ looks on their faces when Jesus told them one of them would betray Him. The disciples were already confused about the plan for Jesus to suffer, and now Jesus was deeply anguished as He told them about coming betrayal. Confused, the disciples were apparently silent first, then wondered aloud who it would be (and perhaps even debated it in the midst of arguing again about who was the greatest).
Within that group of disciples were the betrayer—who seemingly was such a good hypocrite that no one suspected him of such acts—and other disciples who were still most concerned about their own position and status in this pivotal moment in history. Jesus was in anguish, and they were focused on themselves. It’s amazing that God would use any of them to take the gospel to the nations!
It’s equally amazing that He chooses to use any of us, too. Too often, our attention is on self alone.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is your focus more on self or on God today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, turn my attention to You today. Keep me faithful.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 13:31-38, Mark 14:27-31, Matthew 26:31-35, Luke 22:31-38, John 14:1-15:17
