Dr. Craig M. Jenkins, Pastor
Sunday School
Call to Remember
Matthew 26:1-13
Lesson 7- April 14, 2019
JIn our lesson today Jesus told His disciples of His upcoming crucifixion (Matt 26:2). At the same time, there was a meeting going on among the leading priests and elders to determine the best way to capture and kill Him (Matt 26:3-4).
Although they meant great harm to Jesus, they were unaware their actions unwittingly would lead to the fulfillment of His destiny on earth and would spark the beginning of a religion which has already lasted 2000 years.
On the other end of the spectrum, Jesus attended a dinner given in His honor in Bethany. A woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus. The disciples criticized this act honoring Jesus by saying the perfume could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. In fact, Judas Iscariot said the perfume was worth a year's wages (John 12:6).
About six years ago a church in Chattanooga, Tennessee sought to honor the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross by constructing three giant crosses on their property next to Interstate 75. This project cost the Crossing Church $700,000. One cross is 125 feet tall and the two other crosses are 100 feet tall.
As in the case of our lesson today, some people have criticized the project as wasteful. These people said the money could have better been used for charitable purposes. If our purpose on earth is to glorify God and advance His kingdom on earth we should not have a problem with a church building a monument to Jesus' sacrifice in plain view for all to see.
The lesson today is about honoring Jesus. He honored us by giving the most important gift of our life—the gift of salvation and eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross. What are we willing to do to honor Him?
Based on First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, TN
Submitted by Donna Reed
Beth Eden Baptist Church