April 14, 2014
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Betrayal

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Opening Prayer

Sovereign Lord, I open myself to the leading of Your Spirit as I read and study Your Word today.

Read John 18:1-18

[1] When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. [2] Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. [3] So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. [4] Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” [5] “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) [6] When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. [7] Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. [8] Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” [9] This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” [10] Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) [11] Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” [12] Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him [13] and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. [14] Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. [15] Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, [16] but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. [17] “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” [18] It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright &copy 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.&reg Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). Amazing words from the man who denied Jesus.

Being let down by a friend is nothing compared with the deep and fatal betrayal by a close confidant that Jesus experienced in Gethsemane. Betrayal, as countless biographies tell us, is a deep shock to anyone’s system. Yet for all the shock it must have been, Jesus seems in control while his accuser and the arrest party move at his command. Look how active Jesus is.

Jesus moves into position for the betrayal to a place well known to Judas (1-3). He makes no attempt to hide or escape. Jesus knows the awful nature of what is about to unfold (4). He is not taken by surprise. God’s plan was moving swiftly to its resolution. Jesus instigates his betrayal, going out to confront his captors rather than waiting for them to approach him (4). Jesus reveals his identity as the one they were searching for, and does not disguise himself (5). In saying, “I am he,” words laden with divine overtones (Exod. 3:13-15; Isa. 43:10-13), he caused his captors to “draw back and [fall] to the ground” (6). Next, Jesus commands the soldiers to release the others in the garden, since they had come only for him (8). Jesus cares for the safety of his followers not wishing to lose any except Judas (9). Then, Jesus restrains his hot-headed disciple, Peter, who lashes out with his sword. In doing so, he not only prevents a skirmish from erupting but tries belatedly to teach Peter the need for his suffering. Luke tells us that Jesus healed Malchus, whom Peter had wounded (Luke 22:51). Only then did the soldiers take charge, arrest him and take him to Annas, where the sequence of unjust trials began.

What dignity! What strength of character! What control! What authority was his, even in betrayal! This was no ordinary man.

Apply

In a world of vacillating and failing leaders, contemplate the strength and rock-solid security of Jesus of Nazareth.

Closing prayer

Father God, it is true that I stand on Christ, my solid rock. Empower me to stand strong for You, as the storms of life and culture assail me.

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