An Awkward and Incomplete Faith - The Conclusion

Matthew 26:1-5; 14-16; 31-35

Matthew 26:31-35 – Simon Peter and the Rest of the Disciples

v Simon Peter and the disciples do on a collective level what Judas Iscariot does on an individual level.

v They rebuff the Lord’s prophecy that they will betray Him.

v They vow loyalty to the point of death.

v They remain committed until the arrest of Jesus with a large armed regiment.

v They flee to the wind to protect themselves.

v They underestimated their deep-seated fear and desire for self preservation.

v Their faith was too limited by a tremendous latent fear and a personal desire for positions of honor in the new kingdom.

v When Jesus used that term, they heard status, power, prestige, money, etc.

v They failed to understand the power of love, the force of kindness, the status of self-control, and the other fruit of the Spirit.

v They has an awkward and incomplete faith.

v Is your faith awkward and incomplete?

v Where would you have been during the first Holy Week?

v In the nameless crowd?

v In the meeting of the Sanhedrin?

v Celebrating Passover with the disciples?

v Agreeing with Judas Iscariot that it was high time that the revolution commences given that three years had already elapsed?

v Would you be encouraging Simon Peter in his refusal to hear the Lord prophesy about his impending denial?

v Would you be forcing your ulterior motives upon the Lord?

v This Holy Week, we have an opportunity to examine our faith.

v God will graciously reveal our blind spots to us.

v Furthermore, He will burn away any lingering dross of selfishness, self-centered fear and lust for the things of the world.

v In so doing, He will empower us to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

v Thereby, denying ourselves rather than Him and seeking to live to His honor and glory.

v If we find a mustard seed's of authentic faith, then we can know the abundant and eternal life that Christ offers.

Conclusion

v Reiterate central themes.