Thursday 11 October, 2018

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

This passage is one that always makes me question humanity. Judas was chosen by Jesus, he was selected to be one of his nearest and dearest, however even knowing Jesus, having seen all he had done he still betrayed him. He still missed the significance of who Jesus was but through his own selfish ambition God was still glorified, turning what was betrayal into the greatest act of Love his world has ever seen.

Jesus says so himself , “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?”

Jesus death would be the fulfillment of the story of Israel, the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament.

As I read this I once again am humbled by Jesus sacrificial love. His willingness to take every burden upon himself suffering the greatest pain in order to restore us to God through him. I am reminded of the great love that God has for his creation and his people that he would risk it all for his beloved people. I also am comforted by the fact that Jesus walked the seasons of life that we do. He suffered betrayal from one of his closest friends. God could have saved us any way he pleased however he became human to grow up to and deal with everything we do so that he would have a unique ability to understand and have compassion for our circumstance and situation.

Lord, thank you for your sacrificial love. Help me to remember today that I am beloved by you and that your love can transform my heart and my perspective. Give me eyes to love and see those who cross my path today. Amen.

Written by Annique Botta