Abiding in Easterనమూనా

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 39

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?”

Matthew 26:47-54 ESV

Now, the horror begins. All that Jesus knew was coming was now unfolding. One of his closest followers betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver (the equivalent of about $90.00). He even kissed him, a sign of affection, as he figuratively stabbed him in the back. And the mob with Judas is carrying clubs and swords as if they are in pursuit of a dangerous criminal. Jesus, the author of Love, was treated with so much hate. Peter, the one who just failed Him by falling asleep rather than praying with Him, tries to rescue Him by striking one of the soldiers with his sword, cutting off his ear. Jesus stops any further retaliation and even heals the soldier’s ear. Once again, He baffles His followers and even His accusers. He willingly goes to his cruel destiny, and things will only get worse. But Jesus was on a mission from God, and He would fulfill it.

APPLICATION:

Have you ever kissed Jesus on Sunday and then betrayed him the rest of the week? Have you tried to be faithful and yet, have been betrayed? Whatever the case, enter into this moment with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, and talk to Him about His courage in an amazingly difficult situation.