Facing the Oil Press

February 11

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 26:36 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 26:14 – 15 – “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go yonder and pray.”

This is the account of Jesus’ final night, the night of betrayal and trials. Jesus, being fully aware of what was about to take place goes to the Garden of Gethsemane (Greek word for “Oil Press”). Sin and death began in a garden, and now the Victor over sin and death battles in a garden. In this place where olives were crushed into oil, the One anointed with oil would be crushed under the burden of our sin.

The first people (Adam and Eve) betrayed God the Father by disobedience and brought sin and death into this world. Now, God the Son would be faced with a betrayer, and He will steadfastly obey the Father and destroy sin and death.

Prayer: Jesus, I bow humbly before You today. Because of Your obedience I am redeemed. Because of Your obedience I am forgiven. Because of Your obedience I have a future with You and Your Father. Amen.