Day 39
Have you ever had a very close friend betray you? Or let you down? Or leave you in the lurch?
In today's passage of Scripture, we see how Jesus faced that same disappointment. This passage reminds us that even when the worst thing we can imagine happens to us, the Lord truly understands.
Matthew 26: 47 - 56 ...
While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had given them a sign: “The One I kiss, He’s the One; arrest Him!” 49 So he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50 “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?”
Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear.
52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels? 54 How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”
55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn’t arrest Me. 56 But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away.
I love Peter's staunch defense of his Lord - but even more, I love Jesus' response. The Lord of the Universe heals the servant's ear, and tells Peter, “put away the sword”. Jesus reminded Peter that He does not need to be defended. He could call 10,000 angels if He chose to, but He didn't.
Even knowing exactly what lay ahead, He chose to move forward because of the joy set before Him – and that joy was our Salvation!
The last verse hurts my heart. “Then all the disciples left Him and fled.” Jesus would face the worst of what was to come alone. But He would endure it for you and for me!
How great is His love??!!