In review of Matthew 26:48-50 it says, “The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, “My friend, go and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.”
Today's verses come the latter half of Matthew chapter 26 where Jesus is betrayed and arrested. We see Judas, one of Jesus twelve disciples arrive with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders to arrest him. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: "You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss." So Judas had come straight to Jesus, said "Greetings, Rabbi!" and gave Jesus a kiss. Jesus told Judas, "My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for."
The men proceeded to grab Jesus and arrest him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest's slave, slashing off his ear. Jesus told him t put away his sword, as "those who use the sword will die by the sword." Jesus then told them, if needed he could have asked the Father for thousands of angels to protect them, and he would have. But If He had done this, then how would Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now.
Then Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with weapons? Why didn't you just arrest me in the Temple, I was there teaching every day. But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures." At this point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
What I find interesting this morning is Jesus’ choice of words in response to Judas. He called him His friend even in the midst of Judas’ sin, rejection, and betrayal. I too live in a sinful world and I definitely sin and betray God daily. As I reflect on this, some sin may seem unforgivable and unworthy of God’s continued friendship.
Even with this, I can find comfort in knowing that God has never asked for perfection from me. He simply wants me to believe in Him and love Him.
Because of Jesus' sacrifice, I can have a relationship with God even though I continue to sin against Him at times.
This morning Lord, I thank You for forgiving me even when I betray You. Thank You for loving me even when I have not always shown love to You or others. Thank You for continued friendship! I ask you to please reveal to me when I am wrong so that I may repent and return to You. In Jesus’ name.
Bottom Line:
God is our friend
What this means to me:
I can have confidence in God’s love and friendship at all stages in my life, even when I feel I have blown it majorily. He is there for me and ready to restore the relationship. He will never give up on my.
0 comments:
Post a Comment