Matthew 26:47-58 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.”[a]
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.
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
Russ Belmont
Calvary Baptist Church
Observation: You show me Jesus, that even in the midst of unjust treatment, personal betrayal, and extreme hardship Your greatest priority is to trust and obey the Word of God even if it isn’t easy.
Action: I will trust Your word as I continue the “Financial Peace” course. I will trust and apply (not just observe) Your Biblical principles even though I know it won’t be easy.
Observation: Yes, You are leading a rebellion. We are all control freaks to one degree or another, insisting we are right about everything and having our own way. Which is probably why there’s so much strife in the world–many people insisting on having things their own way. Only You are obedient to Your Father. even to the point of death.
Action: I’m going to rebel against that voice in my ear that tells me I need this or that to be happy, or fills my head with lies about imposing my agenda on others (or worse, on You). You are at work in even the most diifcult battles, and I will see that if I’m patient and put my own agenda aside. Take time from my ‘plans’ this week to help somebody or give an encouraging word, no matter how/when it’s needed.
I was struck by how Jesus still called Judas “friend.” I’ll have that in mind today, if I feel wronged by someone.
Dave — Friend hung me up too . . .caught my attention I should say. So I did a bit of digging – just some illumination no correction or reframing your thoughts – sharing what is informing me today. This particular word is found only three times in the NT and each time in Matthew. Each time the one addressed is knowingly performing below expectation of what the relationship would warrant. There is a clear sense they have insulted by action or word the very one they should have respected or been loyal too. Still there is no enmity communicated by its usage. We hear none from Jesus, the insult is absorbed. The two parties are bound in someway and the one addressed has disregarded the what should have guided his action.
In both OT/NT there are appear to be three levels of meaning: friendship as association only; friendship as association plus loyalty; and friendship as association plus loyalty plus affection. At the lowest level a friend is simply an associate or “the other fellow” “comrade” our word in Mt 26:50, “hetaire” has this in mind, “Do what you came for friend.” It shows a knowing of where Jesus stands in his own mind firm and connected but an awareness of the disconnected nature of the relationship shown by the actions of Judas. I truly believe it reflects the heart of the Father toward myself and any of us who knowingly turn our own way – to our own best version of the good life and away from the direction of His leading. These things I shall keep in mind . . . as I consider my relationship with Jesus today.
I’m not sure Judas’ betrayal was even necessary. Jesus wasn’t exactly hiding during that week (He went up to Jerusalem for the very purpose of being crucified). The authorities could have grabbed him at any time. Maybe He was reminding Judas of what their relationship was/should have been.
Observation: God is reminding me the sword of His Word and purposes were being fulfilled in Jesus’ arrest.
Action: I will remember as one of Christ’s companions/followers that the sword of His Word in my hand and mouth will either be used as a weapon against people or a as surgerical tool for people. One will hurt and maim. The other will give health and lead to fulfilling His purposes. I commit to do the latter.
Even after God basically said, no, I will not take this cup away from you. You have to do this horrible thing, die this horrible death, Jesus has no doubt God would stop this is Jesus said the word. “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
That’s trust, belief, a true knowledge of God’s heart.
It also shows that the true desire of Jesus’ heart is what God wants, not his own human-based desire to avoid pain and death.
I gotta learn to trust God like Jesus does. I think it’s easier said than done….
Michele, that’s a profound insight that IMO really gets to the heart of the matter – Jesus has that unshakable certainty of God’s love even while moving towards the certainty of devastating betrayal and horrible death that He knows God has the power to prevent. Such a deep confidence seems humanly impossible – how many times have we heard or said “If God is loving, why would He allow….” and yet it seems that our ability to grow in our willingness to obey God in the difficult, painful, and seemingly impossible challenges that the world brings to us is closely linked to our growth in trusting that God is still loving and caring for us even if He takes us to places we’d rather not go.
Good thing He already told us that things that are impossible for man are not impossible for God.
For me, what I’ve been hearing the past few readings is the idea of trust. Trust in His word. Trust in His timing. Trust in His plan for your future. I call it an idea because it’s something I have to learn as my natural tendency is to hold on to what I know and the outcomes I can predict. Just as Simon Peter for a moment trusted in his sword instead of trusting that there is a perfect plan already laid down for Jesus.
Father, I hear what you’re saying to me and I will unlearn my attitude toward trust and know that you are there and the plans you have for my life are good.