Day 39- Betrayal
Matthew 26:47-56 (ESV)
While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
After Jesus’ time of prayer for you, me and his disciples, Judas, his friend, led the mob against Jesus who he signified to them by kissing him on the cheek. This means that this close friend of Jesus, close enough to greet him with a kiss on the cheek, betrayed Jesus, for a few coins. Unbelievable! Have you ever had a very close friend betray you? Well, so has Jesus. When the worst happens to us, he understands. I know I have. It not only feels like a knife in the back, but it feels that they even twist it a bit before pulling it out. It hurts.
Of all the disciples’ reactions, I relate most to Peter. I probably would have pulled out a sword, and defended him. However, the Lord of the Universe, Jesus, heals the man’s ear, and tells Peter, “put away the sword”. He told him, all who take up a sword will perish by the sword. I’ve repeated that to friends who carry guns. I don’t carry a gun because those who pick up a gun will likely die from a gun. Jesus reminded Peter that he does not need to be defended. He could call 10,000 angels if he chose to, but he did not. He knew what was ahead and he chose to move forward because of the joy set before him – our Salvation!
The last verse hurts. “Then all the disciples left Him and fled.” Jesus would face the worst of it alone. For you and for me.
Rev. Andy Bales
President/CEO of Union Rescue Mission