The Paramount Plan

The Paramount Plan

Read: Matthew 26:47-54

“How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

Matthew 26:54

“The whole science of the saints consists in finding out and following God’s will.”

—Isidore of Seville

IN WORD In the garden, Jesus has been praying with deep sorrow and an overwhelmed spirit. He knows what He faces the next day—torture and death. Ridicule and shame. The sins of the world on His human shoulders. If ever there was a time to be self-absorbed, this was it.

At His moment of crisis, when the betrayer and the mob walked up to Him with treachery in their hearts, Jesus thought first of the Scriptures being fulfilled. Forget personal consequences. The Word was at stake. It absolutely must happen this way. The incarnate Word and the written Word must not conflict. The promise of God is more important— and more real—than any personal threat.

How was Jesus able to say such a thing at a moment of such danger? He had prayed. Not just that night in the garden, but also for extended periods throughout His ministry and His younger life. The will of God was no guessing game for Him. He was reluctant because of the pain, but He was not uncertain. His fellowship with the Father led Him in exactly the ordained way—even when it hurt.

How can we say such a thing in our moments of crisis? Only by having already been immersed in the ways of God through prayer, the Word, and our faith. Only by having extended periods of time seeking God’s will—regardless of its cost to ourselves. No self-centered mind can arrive at that point; it’s only for a God-saturated life.

IN DEED What is your priority in your moment of crisis? Is it that God’s will be fulfilled? Is it that the promises be proved and the plan lived out? Or is it safety, convenience, expedience, ambition, or comfort? We have a multitude of voices distracting us from the hard way of God’s Word; and only one keeping us there. But it’s the essential voice. It’s the same one Jesus heard in the garden that night, and it never leads us astray.