March 18

Matthew 26:17-25 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?" 20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." 22 And they were sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" 23 He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said so."

Observation

This passage describes the beginning stages of the beautiful fulfillment of Passover, a tradition the Jews had been celebrating since their salvation from Egypt. And the disciples were ready to do what they had probably been doing their whole lives this time of year, preparing for the Passover feast. But not till later would they come to realize that though they were looking towards the past, the past was actually pointing to Jesus. But as the evening began and they all began eating, the stage was set for Jesus to drop a huge bomb. One of his own would betray him. The fear was palpable. All the disciples went up to Jesus and wondered if they were the one to do it. Finally, Judas was identified as the betrayer. The moment could not have been more dramatic. When we look at secular literature, and even what goes on in our lives around us, we see that betrayal from those closest to us tends to be the most painful. Tragedies are written around the betrayal of those closest to them (ie Julius Caesar.) Jesus makes it a point to identify how close this person was to him, as someone "who has dipped his hand in the dish with me." Jesus specifically chose the twelve disciples, including Judas, to share intimate moments of his life and to share with them the meaning of his upcoming death. There was no one closer to Jesus during his ministry than the twelve disciples. Jesus carried the knowledge of Judas' betrayal even as he chose him to be so close to him.

Application

When I think of all that Jesus endured for the sake of our salvation, from the physical pain of crucifixion, to the emotional pain and humiliation of having those closest to him betray him and deny him, I am filled with praise and thanks for the Lamb of God. My salvation did not come cheap, and I know God is calling me to humble myself and be obedient just as Jesus was, even to death on the cross.

Prayer

Lord I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, who in spite of complete shame and betrayal, sacrificed himself, that I may have a restored relationship with you. In Jesus name. Amen.

--sw