Word In Life Study Bible
WOULD YOU CHOOSE THESE FOR LEADERS?
Matt.26:35-74
That transition period would prove to be rather awkward. It didn’t help that it was forced on the group by hostile outsiders. But the most troubling aspect was what happened to Jesus’ associates, the ones who would have to carry His banner into the future. During those final days and hours, they began to fall apart:
• Bravado caused them to overstate their commitment (Matt. 26:35). When the moment of truth came, they deserted the Lord (26:56).
• Even though the Lord asked them to keep watch with Him during His final hours of freedom, they fell asleep twice (26:40, 43).
• At the very moment when Jesus was standing trial and enduring mockery and beatings, Peter, who had led the others in declaring their loyalty (26:35), denied any association with Him (26:69–75).
In short, the disciples hardly seem to have had the “right stuff” for continuing the important work that Jesus began. Yet, even after all that He went through, Jesus returned to that very group of followers after His resurrection and declared that they were still His chosen representatives, the ones appointed to continue His work. He even affirmed His commitment to stick with them to the end (28:19–20).
Jesus’ treatment of the disciples shows that failure is not the unforgivable act. In fact, it seems to be the crucible out of which character is formed. It is certainly not a sifting-out process to eliminate weak or useless people. Christ does not look for perfect people, but rather faithful people who can experience His forgiveness and grow.
Do you stick with people even though they stumble? Do you allow the shortcomings of your spouse, children, boss, coworkers, and neighbors to open up bright futures? Do you give yourself freedom to fail?
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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