no one took His life

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Matthew 26:47-68. We read about Judas betraying Jesus and the Roman soldiers arresting Him.

The disciples at first try to defend Him, and one slashes off a man's ear. But Jesus heals the ear and rebukes the disciples, telling them that He could call thousands of angels to come and rescue Him if He wanted, but that this was all happening for a reason.

Then He's taken before the high priest, and says the phrase that He knows will get Him crucified. It so infuriates the high priest that he tears his clothes and demands that Jesus be crucified.

It was all His plan. From beginning to end. He knew exactly what would happen when He went back to Jerusalem, and He knew Judas would betray Him.

No one took His life from Him. He laid it down. He gave it willingly, so that you and I could have eternal life. So we could live with Him forever.

We've heard the story so many times, it's easy to become inured to its power. But stop and think about it... Jesus carefully planned to be beaten, killed, and rise again... to defeat death and be the first of many to rise from the dead. That "many" includes you and me, as long as we follow Him.

God, thank You for sending Your Son to die for us and rise again, so we can too. Help us follow Him.