All rights reserved. Copyright © 2014, MOAMFJ.
•
The extent to which human beings go!
It is interesting that a single event can reveal a person’s true, hidden nature. Re-read the events recorded in Matthew 26-28. Now study the characters involved to observe human nature at its best and worst.
• To make pledges without first considering the costs • Example Matthew 26:33
• To score an advantage over another • Example Matthew 26:46
• To lash out at others in order to protect self • Example Matthew 26:51
• To escape from the problems and troubles of others • Example Matthew 26:56
• To use personal liberty to be inconsiderate, disrespectful and rash • Example Matthew 26:67
• To preserve self from threat or trauma • Example Matthew 26:70
• To convince others of one’s strong feelings about an issue • Example Matthew 26:72
• To minimize the plight, needs, concerns and suffering of others • Example Matthew 27:4
• To escape from problems and troubles of one’s own making • Example Matthew 27:5
• To advance one’s agenda even in shady deals • Example Matthew 27:7
• To take the path of least resistance by catering to the demands of other • Example Matthew 27:15
• To retain power and control over people and situations • Example Matthew 27:18
• To choose the safest option in a situation • Example Matthew 27:19
• To encourage others to take one’s point of view • Example Matthew 27:20
• To preserve reputation by taking action while also relinquishing self of full responsibility • Example Matthew 27:24
• To use position to belittle another • Example Matthew 27:31
• To treat others unfairly (N.B. Simon was a north African resident) • Example Matthew 27:32
• To dismiss others because of what they believe • Example Matthew 27:42
• To show mercy to someone in need • Example Matthew 27:48
• To be convinced only after being presented with glaring facts • Example Matthew 27:54
• To look on at unfolding events without taking an active role in them • Example Matthew 27:55
• To use personal resources to do good • Example Matthew 27:60
• To act based on personal fear or uncertainty • Example Matthew 27:61
• To be controlled by extreme fear and uncertainty • Example Matthew 27:64
• To act boldly despite personal concerns and fear • Example Matthew 28:8
• To manipulate the truth by giving resources to convince others to accept your view of matters • Example Matthew 28:12
• To manipulate the truth with falsehoods about others • Example Matthew 28:15
• To act in line with God’s instructions • Example Matthew 28:16
• To recognize and respond to God’s awesomeness • Example Matthew 28:17
‌thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.