How dare they? But God used them anyway
by Steve Liersch
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Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him (Matthew 26:3,4).
Read Matthew 26:1–16
It’s easy to get frustrated and even angry with people who should know better. People who do the wrong thing, even to the point of being outright evil. Think here of adults abusing children in their care. Or financial advisors ripping off their clients for large sums of money. Or experienced drivers leaving their passengers seriously injured or dead as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They should all know better. They are in a position of trust. No-one would have ever thought it possible that they would do such a thing.
God knows what you and I are all capable of because we’re sinful. Because, given the right circumstances, everyone is capable of something terrible sooner or later. Thankfully, most of the time, we are guided by our values and principles, maintaining a healthy balance between right and wrong, and we choose what is right. But not always – especially if we can get away with it.
The story leading up to Jesus’ death reflects poorly on the chief priests and elders of the Jewish society at that time. Peter exposed their evil plans in Acts 2:23: ‘This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.’ Ouch. That’s a bit hurtful, isn’t it?
Thankfully, God did use their evil ways to ensure we and the whole world are forgiven our sins. God can transform evil situations and turn them around for some good. Romans 8:28 reads, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
At Pentecost, we read:
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 2:37,38).
Ahh! Now there’s grace at work.
Recall a time when God used a bad situation and turned it out for the good. Thank him.
Dear God, you never waste a moment to help lead people back to you in repentance. Please continue doing that in my life as well. Amen.
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