VS. April 20, 2025 Easter Sunday Devotional
April 20, 2025
MATTHEW 26:31-35 | 31Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 “But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 Peter said to him, “Even if all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
Sometimes it is hardest to be patient with our nearest and dearest! Jesus’ expectations for the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities was low and He understood the way the crowds could be manipulated. But His own disciples! The ones He picked and taught and defended! The same ones who had seen the miracles, heard the truth, and been intimate companions. The disloyalty of Judas was terrible but the abandonment and betrayal by the other eleven must have been devastating, especially on top of their obtuseness about His coming sacrifice and the nature of His kingdom. James and John were asking for seats of honor and power at the last supper. Yet Jesus washed their feet and warned them of their coming infidelity without condemnation, in a spirit of forgiveness and encouragement. Following His Resurrection, His first thought was to free them of guilt and share with them His peace and loving presence.
When have you had to be patient with loved ones?
Gracious God,
Help me to understand the failings of friends and families and to be patient and forgiving.
Amen.
