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When the time of testing comes (Luke 22:1-62 April 3, 2011)

In six or seven months – the Johns, Toivolas and if you got their email – also the Coulsons – will have a decision to make – what do they call their new babies? If it is a boy – there will be many names on their list. One name they may well consider is Peter – I liked that name so much we called our boy Peter. But one name that I can assure you will not be on their list is Judas. Why? – Peter the Apostle, leader of the twelve. Judas the traitor, son of perdition. But I want to suggest to you this morning that the distance between Peter and Judas is not all that great. Both were chosen as disciples. Both sat at the feet of the Lord for years. Both heard the same gospel. Remember back to Luke 9:7-62 – where Jesus told His disciples what the gospel was. He told them that they had to believe that:

He is a crucified Messiah who calls crucified disciples. Faith in these truths saves. Anything less is not the gospel and does not save. Now at the time when Jesus is about to head to the cross – both men are put to the test.

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And the great question – the test of whether they have truly believed this gospel, whether it has transformed their lives is this:

What is the desire of your heart? The Kingdom of this world OR The Kingdom of heaven?

This is the test of whether you have been transformed – what is the desire of your heart?

As the deer panteth for the water, So my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart’s desire, And I long to worship You. You alone are my strength, my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart’s desire, And I long to worship You. I want you more than gold or silver, Only You can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver

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And the apple of my eye. That is the test. The desire for the Kingdom of this world manifests itself in many ways – money, authority, sex, fame, power. Seeking the things of this world. The desire for the Kingdom of heaven is a desire for Christ. You want Jesus – the crucified Messiah who calls crucified disciples more than anything in this world. And the test comes in many ways. Do you marry the good looking non-Christian girl or obey Christ and not be unequally yoked? Are you willing to suffer for Christ or not? Will you say no to the pleasures of the flesh and yes to the joy of Christ? He is the pearl of great price – will we give up everything to gain Him – our families even our lives? Do we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness? Do we serve money or Christ? What do you really want? – Christ or the world? These tests come into every life. They came for Judas and for Peter. Turn with me to Luke 22. Luke 22:1–2:

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Luke’s gospel is reaching its climax – the death of Jesus. Remember that for some time the chief priests and the scribes had been seeking how to put Jesus to death – but they feared that if they did this – the common people would riot because they believed Jesus was a prophet or even the Messiah. Finally, at the Passover – their opportunity came. It came through the time of testing that came upon Judas.

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Verse 3:

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.

When you read through the other gospels – we find more of what is going on here. Judas had followed Jesus for three years – why? The gospels make it clear that he saw in Jesus a man who he believed was the coming political Messiah. If so, this was the right bandwagon to be on. There would be thrones and power for those close to Jesus. Jesus was the way to the Kingdom of this world. But, as the cross loomed, it became clear that this was not the bandwagon he wanted to be on. Jesus had said the end was at hand. He would soon be killed and the disciples would be persecuted – possibly even killed. The treasury Judas had stolen from was drying up – and there was never much in it anyway. The leaders of the Jews had turned against Christ. Being a follower of this man was not the best career move. Jesus was not the way to money and position. In fact He was the way to suffering and probable death. We won’t know for sure what went through the mind of Judas, but it seems that Satan whispered in his ear – This man is not the way to the Kingdom of this world. No earthly thrones – just persecution. No gold, no power, no adulation – just suffering and death. So sell Him out for what you can get. So despite the miracles and teaching – despite Jesus always being upfront about who He was and why He came – Judas finally decided – He wanted this world more than Christ. He would betray Him for whatever He could get – thirty pieces of silver. Verses 4-6:

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He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

Judas was tested – and the result was clear – FAIL! Then in verses 7-23 – Jesus spells out the consequences of the test – heaven and hell. When you sit a chemistry test – the consequences are a better OP or a not so good one. But this test is life and death. Verses 7-13:

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

If you want the Kingdom of this world – you just need to follow the lead of Judas and take it. But if you want the Kingdom of heaven – there is only one way – through the blood of the Passover Lamb. From the days of Noah and then Moses – the blood of a Lamb was the way sin was to be forgiven. God was painting a picture. The death of the lamb pays for our sin. Its life for your life. But how does the blood of a lamb atone for sin?

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It was not the lamb but what the lamb pointed to. One day by the Jordan River, John the Baptist pointed and cried – Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Hebrews 9:28:

Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb. Jesus is the only way to the Kingdom of heaven. And so on this last night – Jesus gathered His men – including Peter and Judas – and made it very clear what the stakes were. Verses 14-16:

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus had longed to eat this meal with them – to tell them about His death as the way to heaven. But the following day – He would die. He would not eat with them again in this world. But His death would make it possible for those who have faith in Him to join Him in kingdom of God. Verses 17-20:

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

The bread signified His death by which we may be saved. The cup signified the new covenant. The Old Covenant was based on the Law – and showed that all fall short and need a Saviour. The New Covenant was based on grace – the Saviour had come – men and women could be saved by faith in the death of Christ. For those who trust that Jesus is the Passover Lamb – that His blood saves – that He bears our sins – there is salvation and entrance to the Kingdom. This test is eternal life and death. So, if you seek the things of this world – if you fail the test – then woe to you. Verses 21-23:

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“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

Woe to the one who betrays Him. Cursed is He. This was clearly an incredible shock to them. One of their own would betray Christ. One of their own would fail the test. They had no idea who it could be. Notice that we don’t find the disciples all nodding and winking at Judas. He did not stand out as the one most likely to fail. Most pictures of Judas paint him as sinister and obviously traitorous. In reality he fitted right in. In a minute we will see the disciples arguing about greatness in the kingdom. They were all sinful. They all struggled. No one stood out as the traitor. There are so many who seem to be like Judas – lives that appear to be heading to heaven – but then they implode in a moment with no outward warning. But, Judas knew his heart was slipping away. He knew that the world was more attractive than Jesus. He knew the decision he was making. If you feel your heart slipping away – stop and pray. Ask for His strength to fill you and sustain you. Jesus made it clear – woe to him – literally cursed is he. He is a son of perdition – destined for the lake of fire. Heaven and hell rest on what you do with Jesus. If you long for the things of this world – woe to you. If you long for Christ and the Kingdom of heaven – it you accept Jesus as the Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world – blessed are you. Incredibly, the disciples don’t even truly understand this at this time. The Passover meal itself triggers the next test.

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Peter – and indeed all the disciples are tested. Jesus says that the next meal He eats with them will be in the Kingdom of God. To them – this indicates that the Kingdom is about to come – so a fight breaks out about who is greatest in the kingdom. Verse 24:

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

Jesus had just told them that the time of His suffering and death was near. But instead of any thoughts of the pain and anguish their Master was about to endure on their behalf, their thoughts turned to themselves. Guys being guys – the important issue is where everyone ranks. I mean Peter, James and John seem to have the inside track – but maybe Jesus just likes to keep the less competent ones near Him to keep an eye on them. Maybe I am the greatest. Part of me wants to think Judas started all of this – but without doubt all of the disciples harboured these thoughts of greatness. This is not the first time they have had a squabble like this. Back in Luke 9:44–48 we saw the same thing. Jesus said to them:

Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Jesus says – I am about to suffer and die. What is their response?

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An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.

Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Clearly, the disciples had not learned this lesson. I don’t know about you – but I struggle to understand how they can possibly hear – I am going to be crucified very soon – my death will pay for your sins – and then end up in a fight over who is the greatest? Jesus is going to die and all they can think of is who is the greatest? Why these unsightly squabbles over greatness? This is like your beloved grandad calling all the grandkids and saying – I have some bad news – the doctor tells me I have pancreatic cancer – I have about six months to live. And as soon as the words are out of his mouth – his grandson Fred says:

Sorry to hear that pops – but remember you always loved me the most – so I expect the biggest part of the inheritance.

And then it all breaks loose – everyone arguing over the will – everyone seems to have forgotten that grandpa is dying. We are so selfish. If Jesus is dying if the Kingdom is coming that means power and position. And I want it. They are still thinking of the Kingdom in worldly terms and they want a big share of it. These disciples were thinking more about themselves than Jesus and the Kingdom of heaven – but how often have we done that? That is not the way of Christ’s Kingdom. Instead of longing for the Kingdom of this world – we should long for the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus had repeatedly told them about true greatness:

For he who is least among you all is the one who is great. The Kingdom of heaven is unlike any earthly kingdom we have ever seen. While they are arguing over greatness – they missed the point.

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Kingdom greatness is entirely different to worldly greatness. Worldly greatness is entirely wrapped up in personal glory. A man or woman is great because of who they are – what they have done – what they own – what power they have – who they know. Heavenly greatness is entirely wrapped up in God’s glory. Verses 25-27:

And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Christ’s Kingdom is not like the world. The more we make ourselves nothing and Him everything – the greater we are. We turn from personal greatness because it might hinder the world seeing that He is great. It is John the Baptist’s – I must decrease and He must increase. And when we are nothing – and He is everything – then we are great. When all our passions and powers are given to promoting His glory – then we are great. Philippians 3:7-8:

Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

This is a different kind of greatness. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great. C.S. Lewis has a book called – The Great Divorce. Not his best book at all. A lot of the theology in it is skewed. But one passage intrigued me. The book describes a writer who in a dream takes a bus trip from hell to heaven. As he is touring heaven a group comes toward him. Lewis writes this:

Some kind of procession was approaching us, and the light came from the persons who composed it.

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First came bright spirits, not the spirits of men, who danced and scattered flowers – soundlessly falling, lightly drifting flowers. … Then, on the left and right, at each side of the forest avenue, came youthful shapes, boys upon one side and girls upon the other. If I could remember their singing and write down the notes, no man who read that score would ever grow sick or old. Between them went musicians; and after that a lady in whose honour all this was being done. … Only partly do I remember the unbearable beauty of her face. “Is it … is it?” I whispered to my guide. “Not at all,” said he, “It’s someone you’ll never have heard of. Her name on earth was Sarah Smith, and she lived in Golders Green.” “She seems to be… well, a person of particular importance.” “Aye, she is one of the great ones. You have heard that fame in this country and fame on earth are two quite different things.” … “Who are all these young men and women on each side?” “They are her sons and daughters.” “She must have had a very large family.” “Every young man or boy that met her became her son — even if it was only the boy who brought the meat to her back door. Every girl that met her was her daughter.” (The Great Divorce pp. 106-108)

Housewives, mechanics, missionaries – men and women the world knows nothing of – but their names are writ large in eternity. You can seek greatness on earth – but that will die with you. Oh men will be able to Google your name and find your bio – until Jesus returns – and the works men will be lost forever. Or you can seek the greatness of the Kingdom – and that will never die. Your name will be in the Lamb’s Book of Life and you will hear – well done good and faithful servant. Those you led to Christ will be there in heaven. And the great tragedy is that while these men were arguing about who was the greatest – Jesus wanted to give them true greatness. Verses 28-30:

You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

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You want to be great here? In a world that is perishing – with joys that don’t last – with stuff that will decay? I want to give you true greatness – eating and drinking with me in my kingdom – judging the twelve tribes. They would be great in the eternal Kingdom. Let me remind you that this promise is true for each of us. When we eat the cup and drink the break – it reminds us that we are His children – we will sit with Him at the marriage supper of the Lamb. We will reign with Him and we will be called great. Only a fool would trade greatness in eternity for a bigger car – a nicer house and a new dress – the things of now. He is a fool who gains the world but loses His soul. Peter and the disciples were tested – the world or heaven? Jesus offered them heaven through His death – they wanted this world.

Like Judas – at this point – they failed. But that is not the end. Jesus then moves on from the test – to the solution. Here are twelve men – disciples – Apostles – who failed the test. Their sinful hearts caused them to choose this world over eternity. If they failed – how can anyone pass the test? How can anyone make the Kingdom of heaven the desire of our heart? As we will see in these next verses there is a right and a wrong solution.

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First – the right solution – through God’s grace. Yesterday morning the men had a wonderful encouraging breakfast with Dave Cunningham. Dave was speaking about sanctification – holiness. He spoke about how our default is to try and be holy in our own strength. For a time you can suck up the will power to make your life look OK – but no one can do it for long. Your sin will shine through – you will fall – and you will question your salvation and the power of God. You can try and be holy and seek Christ and live for Christ and deny the pull of the world in your own strength – but you will fail. True holiness comes from trusting the grace of God – calling on the resources of heaven to satisfy us in Christ so we long to live holy. The power comes from above. Jesus knows this – the true power comes down from above. I can do all things – how? – through Christ who strengthens me. Here it is – verse 31:

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Satan wanted both Judas and Peter. He got Judas – but not Peter. Why? Because Christ strengthened him that his faith would not fail. And finally Peter understood this. He called on the resources of heaven and became a leader who helped others call on the grace of God.

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But Peter wasn’t there yet. Peter was still trying to gain the Kingdom with the wrong solution.

Through our own strength.

Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Lord I can do it. I will stand with you. In my strength – I will seek You. Peter had a lesson to learn – a tough lesson. Verse 34:

Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

In your own strength – you cannot stand – you will fail. Jesus then tells them how they can stand in the times of testing. Verses 35-38:

And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

These verses have been the centre of much debate. Some think that what Jesus is saying is this – He is about to die. He won’t be around. And just as He was persecuted and numbered with the transgressors – so the world will come after the disciples – this means they better be ready.

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Money, supplies – even swords will be necessary for them to survive. But I don’t think that is what Jesus is saying. Jesus never tells His people to rely on the weapons and resources of this world. Money and swords are not the resources of the child of God. In fact in a few verses – the soldiers come to take Jesus – a disciple takes up a sword to defend Him and Jesus cries – no more and heals the man’s ear. How could Jesus be saying take up a sword here and then a few verses later say – don’t take up the sword? Jesus can’t be speaking of a literal money and swords here. Jesus is using metaphorical language to tell His disciples to arm themselves with all spiritual resources for the battle. He is saying – you had better put every spiritual resource in your backpack because you will need it. Jesus is about to be crucified – numbered with the transgressors – as the Scripture foretold. As we are about to see, Jesus prepares for this battle with spiritual armour. Jesus is merely telling His men that they had better come prepared with every spiritual resource – filled with the grace of God if they want to stand firm. But they didn’t get this. They thought He was telling them to fight in their own strength – to use literal swords – so they found two swords. Jesus responds with – it is enough – or better – enough of that! What do you think you are doing? Don’t you understand? Do you not hear what I am saying? And to show that this is what He meant – Jesus faces a test Himself.

This is the most severe test possible – and Jesus shows the right solution.

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The grace of God. Verses 39-46:

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Notice what is going on here.

Jesus tells them – Pray for grace in the test

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Jesus prays for grace in the test God answers that prayer Jesus tells them again – Pray for grace in the test

This passage comes in the middle of a series of tests. In fact straight after this Judas and Peter face final tests. Here Jesus tells them and us how to pass the test – pray that you may not enter into temptation. This is Ephesians 6:10–18:

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication.

This is a spiritual battle – so pray. Call on the resources of heaven. And Jesus Himself prayed. This was His final great test. He was tested in the wilderness. He was tested in His ministry. He was tempted with the things of this world – bread, His life, the kingdoms of this world. He chose God. And now He is tested in Gethsemane. His life or obedience to God? He could avoid the cross. He could take the easy path. But not His will but God’s. And even Jesus needed the strength and grace of God to stand. So tough was this battle that He agonised in prayer – sweating great drops of blood. Brothers and sisters – when the temptation comes – a crisis of faith, lust, anger – whatever it is – when you are tempted to try and stand in your own strength – remember – not even Jesus could do that. In His incarnation – He prayed for strength to do the will of God – and God granted that prayer. The disciples aren’t there yet. They failed.

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Jesus is about to go to the cross – He asks them to pray for strength – to pray that they might not enter into temptation – and they fail – they fall asleep instead of praying. This brings us to the final tests for Judas and Peter. Verses 47-48:

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Judas – this is your test. For thirty pieces of silver will you betray the Son of Man – the one way of salvation? Will you betray Me with a kiss? If you betray Me – I go to the cross. This is your last chance. What do you choose – the Kingdom of this world – or the Kingdom of heaven? The result:

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An EPIC FAIL! He chose this world. He became the one who betrayed the Prince of glory. No one calls their son Judas. He ended up with nothing – casting the silver away and hanging himself. Lost for all eternity. But his was not the only test. Had the disciples learned that they had to stand in the grace of God or would they try and stand in their own strength? Verses 49-51:

And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.

John tells us the one who drew the word was Peter. Another failure. He did not understand the nature of the battle and how to stand firm. He would fight with the weapons of the world and his strength. Verses 52-53:

Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

You will have your hour – but that is not the end. Then comes one final test for Peter. Verses 54-62:

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Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.”

You all know what is coming next. But if you were reading this the first time – you might expect something different. This is Peter. Surely after all these failures – after the lesson of Jesus – He would pass. Surely he would pray for the strength to stand firm and he would declare:

My dear girl. Of course I know Him. He is the Son of God. He is about to die and in His death is the only hope anyone has for salvation.

He didn’t – he failed.

He denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

This is the same Peter, who a few hours earlier had boasted that he was willing to lay down his life. I can do it – I will stand for you. Jesus was arrested. Jesus faced death. Things weren’t going the way Peter anticipated. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, Peter did not use the resources the Lord spoke of. Peter stumbles, “I do not know Him.” Three times he denied Him. He chose His life over Christ.

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EPIC FAIL!! He denied Christ – three times at the hour of His need. So what is the difference between Peter and Judas? Why do we call our sons Peter but not Judas? Why is Peter going to rule over the twelve tribes in heaven and Judas is in hell forever? The difference is that Peter finally did learn the lesson. The prayer of Jesus transformed this man. Instead of seeking the things of this world in the power of this world – Peter came to the point where all He wanted was Christ and he knew the only way to gain Him was faithful dependence on Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit – he came to trust. He came to live His life by faith not human strength. He became a man of prayer not the sword. He came to seek Christ not the world. The last chapter of John details the restoration of Peter. It is a wonderful picture of the power of grace in our lives. This is crucial for us. Every one of us will face times of testing. Do we choose the world or Christ? Earth or heaven? Money, sex, fame. Faith, persecution, our very lives. And the reality is that like Peter – we will have our share of failures. Times we tried to stand in our own strength. Drew out the sword of our willpower – and failed. At times we might ask – are we like Judas – one time followers of Jesus who turned out to be fakes?

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How do you know if you are a Judas or a Peter? Because the true child of God finally chooses to heed the words of Jesus – to put on the armour of God, to use the resources of God, to rely on the grace of God, to pray for strength to seek first His kingdom. We reach the point where we realise – in my strength I can’t do it – and in our weakness we pray for His strength – and He graciously grants it. Philippians 4:13:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me His grace turns epic failures into faithful children. And we realise that His death not only saves us eternally – it gives us strength to live this life for Him.

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. ‘Tis grace has brought me safe this far, And grace will lead me home.

Christ’s death saves us and enables us to live for Him. To pass the test.