Day 43- Matthew 27-28; Psalm 103

Henry explains that Judas Iscariot is likely thought that he would get the money and Jesus would be saved or talk his way out of the crucifixion, despite the fact that Jesus had told him time and time again that it would happen, and notes,

Note, Those who measure actions by the consequences of them rather than by the divine law, will find themselves mistaken in their measures. The way of sin is down-hill; and if we cannot easily stop ourselves, much less can we stop others whom we have set a going in a sinful way.

You know the story of Jesus' crucifixion, is really the truest example of taking joy in one's tragedy.  Henry indicates the same in his introductory message.  He goes on to point out that the other disciples had also sinned and comments,

The guilt of sin is not so easily transferred as some people think it is. If there were guilt in the matter, they tell Judas that he must look to it, he must bear it. First, Because he had betrayed him to them. His was indeed the greater sin (Jn. 19:11 ); but it did not therefore follow, that theirs was no sin. It is a common instance of the deceitfulness of our hearts, to extenuate our own sin by the aggravation of other people’s sins. But the judgment of God is according to truth, not according to comparison.

 
As Henry points out, other disciples will give us a greater vision of the Resurrection, but Henry points out Matthew gives us four proofs,

"Now the resurrection of Christ being one of the main foundations of our religion, it is requisite that we should have infallible proofs of it; four of which proofs we have in this chapter, which are but a few of many, for Luke and John give a larger account of the proofs of Christ’s resurrection than Matthew and Mark do. Here is, I. The testimony of the angel to Christ’s resurrection (v. 1-8). II. His appearance himself to the women (v. 9, v. 10). III. The confession of the adversaries that were upon the guard (v. 11-15). IV. Christ’s appearance to the disciples in Galilee, and the commission he gave them (v. 16-20)."

I had not pulled the note out of Matthew 27, but Henry had indicated that it is good to have friends that will point out and try to keep you from sin, as the disciples were doing post haste; however, he indicates that the best friend you have in the venture is your own soul.  Then, he points out of the first line of Psalm 103,

David is here communing with his own heart, and he is no fool that thus talks to himself and excites his own soul to that which is good.

It takes a lot to keep  us in check and here in today's readings we are given the best excuses and some guidance.  See you tomorrow, as we begin Exodus.