Easter Devotional | 2021 - Day 9
What if You Could See Into the Future?
By John Bernard
“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:2
Just imagine if God allowed us to see events of life before they happened. We have all probably experienced moments in life where a preview might have saved a lot of heartache. Can you recall a time where you could look back and say, “If I had only known that was going to happen maybe I could have taken action to prevent it”?
As we examine our Scripture today, Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16, it’s clear that the road to the cross was something Jesus was aware He would be facing. It wasn’t something that caught Him by surprise. In fact, a mere two days before Passover, Jesus shared with His disciples about His coming death in Matthew 26:2, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
They were about to enter into the most revered celebration on the Jewish calendar, the Feast of the Passover, and Jesus seems to subtly slip in this bombshell of an announcement. Can you imagine how these words must have stricken the disciples? I suspect that they began thinking about how they were going to get Jesus out of this predicament.
Shockingly, one (Judas) saw it as an opportunity.
We know there had been previous plots to kill Jesus (Luke 4:29-30; John 5:18; 10:39), but this time was different. This was God’s chosen time for Christ to die. He was the antitype to which the Passover Lamb had always referred.
Jesus knew He was to be betrayed and even knew who it was that would betray Him. He knew of the punishment He was about to endure. The pain and agony weren’t lost on Him. He knew when He left heaven and took on human flesh the outcome of the journey. A cruel, painful, and unjust death.
Yet, He went anyway. For you and for me.
What Easter provides for believers is not a look backward but the most significant glimpse into the future one could ever imagine. What Christ has done provides an eternity full of promise and hope for those who place their faith in Him.
Key Passage
Invite at least one neighbor, friend, family member, or coworker who needs to hear the gospel to join you for church on Palm Sunday and/or Easter.
Questions for Thought
- What about those you know who do not yet have an eternity with Christ? You have a glimpse into their future as well. Yet, more importantly you have the opportunity to help them avoid what they can’t see.
- Will you be bold and courageous enough to share the Good News of Christ with someone this Easter?
Author Bio
John Bernard
Motivated to help others plug into First Dallas, John connects visitors and new members to Sunday School, membership, and ministry. When he’s not spending time with his wife, Cheryl, their three daughters, or six grandchildren, John is likely officiating a local sports event or relaxing on a beach somewhere.