Author: Scott

Matthew 27:24-26 Pilate… took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Then… having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. I have always found Pilate, who presided over the trial of Jesus, to be a pathetic figure.  He did not want to…
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Matthew 27:3-5 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver… saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And throwing down the pieces of silver…  he went and hanged himself. I thought I was done writing about Judas, but I realized…
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Matthew 26:74,75 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. I sympathize with Peter.  I too…
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Matthew 26:51,52 Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. I have known many in jail and treatment who genuinely found forgiveness in God, only to find that their loved ones were not quite as quick to pardon.  Riding high on the feeling of repentance…
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Matthew 26:48,49 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. I may have been mistaken to previously assume that everyone knew of Judas’ treachery as it happened.  It appears, in…
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Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. I have heard many Christians preach that the solution to corrupt behavior is to Just stop it.  If you are doing something destructive, just quit.  It’s that simple…  This has always bothered me…
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Matthew 26:39 My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. I often find myself in conflict between two wills in opposition to each other.  I want to lose weight but I really like donuts.  I want to be in good shape but…
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Matthew 26:36-38 Then Jesus… said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” …He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” It is tempting for me to be dismissive of struggles with which…
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Matthew 26:26-28 Jesus took bread…and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup… saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” I have this need to insert myself into a story to try…
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Matthew 26:14-16 Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. The name Judas ranks up there with the great villains of history.  He…
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