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"Jewish apocalyptic writings speak of a period of severe trial before the end of the age, sometimes called the “messianic woes.” This petition asks that the disciples be spared that final test."
"...praying to be delivered from the "final test" is the same as praying to be delivered from personal temptations when we understand that Jesus' victory on the cross was the final victory over ALL sin and evil. When we pray to be delivered from temptation, we are asking God to help us apply the finished work of Jesus' universal victory over evil, to our personal struggles with evil. Praise God that His victory through Jesus IS ENOUGH!!
And what we gain by today's study is that Jesus, as the good Shepherd, goes ahead of His sheep to face the wolves, to face the danger, and He doesn't desire that we should have to face a monster that we cannot handle. That is why we can say with the Psalmist: "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For You are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." (Psalm 23). This doesn't mean that we will never suffer for our faith. Actually, Jesus assured us that we would suffer persecution. But it does mean that Jesus will never allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear and He will never allow us to go through a test which He hasn't already passed and made a way through for the rest of us. "Where I go now," Jesus told His followers, "you cannot come. But afterwards, you will."
"And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:25-27).
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