Just as the scribe was coached directly in yesterday’s reading, the scribe is coached directly in today’s reading. When I was the scribe of NTI Matthew, I had Jesus on a pedestal. Because of that, it was hard for me to see him as imperfect (in my eyes). It was hard for me to read about people mistreating him. All of these ideas came from conditioned thinking—from the way I had been taught to think during my upbringing—so all of this thinking had to be let go.
As you read today’s reading, it is okay to keep in mind that I was being coached directly. Since your mind was conditioned differently, you may not need the exact same coaching that I needed as I read the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and as I read the story of his arrest and trial. Look to see what is helpful for you in today’s reading. For example:
- Do you dislike it when people point out your mistakes? Look at the story Peter’s denial.
- Do you think forgiveness should be easier than it is? Look at the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
- Do you get angry with people who act sweet when you perceive them as devilish underneath? Look at the story of Judas’ kiss.
- Do you have a habit of defending yourself? Look at the story of the disciple who grabbed a sword.
Ask inner wisdom to guide you through today’s reading so you can find conditioning that needs to be seen and undone in your mind. If the coaching in the reading is not perfect for your needs, journal with inner wisdom and receive your own coaching.
If you are not familiar with the stories from the night of Jesus’ arrest, please read those stories in the Bible.
