Reading Reflecting Responding
by
Writing it Down
Context: Matthew 26 Focus: Matthew 26: 69-75
“You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
“You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Matthew 26: 69,71,73
When Jesus was arrested Peter followed and was sitting outside the courtyard of Caiaphas home . Three times He was approached with the accusation that he had been with Jesus. A servant girl pointed out he was one of those with Jesus the Galilean, another servant girl said, this man was with Jesus of Nazareth and then later some bystanders said, you must be one of them, we can tell by your Galilean accent. Peter swore and said, “a curse on me if I am lying” and denied all the accusations, stating he did not know Jesus. Suddenly a rooster crowed and Peter remembered how Jesus told him before the rooster crows this night, you will deny me three times. He then went away, weeping bitterly.
Jesus lived in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee. This region was full of gentiles. So it wasn’t inconsequential of Peter’s accusers to mention these places. It was the very comment of Caiaphas when Nicodemus defended Jesus,
” Look into it and you will see, there is no prophet that comes out of Galilee.”
The origin of his birth was obscure or hidden from their understanding, maybe because of the circumstances of his birth, his mother suspect of adultery, or because their prejudice of the gentiles prevented them from searching the scriptures for the truth. In any event, the servants of Caiaphas were influenced by this prejudice. They could not see Jesus because of their self-righteousness. Blinded to the truth, He was the very ONE, whom God had sent to save their souls.
How many times are we prevented from knowing the truth because we are blinded by our own opinions or don’t bother to search into the matter ourselves.
Lord, please forgive me of any prejudice I may have which blinds me to your truth. Cleanse me of all self-righteousness and to remember, it is only through faith in the shed blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, I stand justified before you.
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:15-16
CR- John 7:52, John 1:46, John 7:41, Isaiah 9:1-2, Micah 5:2
And Lord reveal any judgments I have toward those who live in darkness. Jesus I don’t want any of my prayers to be hindered because of my sin!