Jesus Over BETRAYAL
Read Matthew 26:17-75
The heart of this passage is the institution of the Lord's Supper. In following the ritual for the Passover, Jesus is together for the last time with the 12 that He had personally selected to accompany Him for His mission the previous 3.5 years. Among them was Judas Iscariot. Judas was a chosen apostle and a companion of Christ. He was an eyewitness to the miracles that Jesus had performed and heard the sermons that Jesus taught. He lived with Jesus and the other 11, laboring with them continually. There is no indication that any of them were concerned or suspected Judas’ betrayal. When they sat down and were actually eating the Passover meal Matthew tells us that Jesus interrupted the festivities stating: "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
I have always been amazed at what happens next. As Scripture outlines it, "And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, Lord, is it I?" That is except for Judas who says "Rabbi, is it I?" It is very possible to miss this in the action of the scene. In 1 Corinthians 12:3 we are told that no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. While the other apostles could call Jesus Lord, Judas, the betrayer could not! Jesus steadfastly completed the Passover meal, demonstrated love by washing each of their feet (including Judas) and went to His destiny in the Garden and on the cross in the foreknowledge of this great betrayal.
It is also important to remember that He was also betrayed by the cowardice of the other apostles, the injustice of the Sanhedrin, the indifference of Pilate and the abandonment of the Jews who had welcomed Him just days before. So much betrayal! Yet Jesus was in charge of everything that was happening. He was not captured in some unguarded moment. He was a willing voluntary sacrifice who ordered the events leading up to His arrest and crucifixion. The love of Christ was evident when Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and Jesus called Him friend.
He is Worthy:
Thank You, Lord, for forgiving me in those times when I have acted in ways contrary to Your word.
I rejoice in and praise You for what You did for me, for all You endured for my sake.
Thank You, Lord, for teaching me to love others as You have loved me.
We are Needy:
Help me spread Your love to others by simply allowing Your love to flow through me.
Lord help me to forgive others the way You were able to forgive those who betrayed You and let You down.
Lord strengthen me with the knowledge that even when I am weak and cowardly like the disciples, that You are strong.