Betrayal

As we read further in Matthew 26, we see Judas (one of the 12 at the table) shows up to betray Jesus – with a kiss!  And Jesus’ reply is this, “Do what you came for, friend.”

With that betrayal, another one of Jesus’ followers took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the men who arrested Jesus.

Jesus had just been betrayed with a kiss from a friend, and then another friend lashed out in anger and sliced a guy!  Sounds like a scene from a good movie, doesn’t it?

What Jesus says next is an example of what Jesus knew, and why Jesus was able to go to the cross, to die for us, in the middle of betrayal of the worst kind.

Verse 53 “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels?”

Jesus didn’t need anyone to defend him with the sword.  God was in control, and he knew God had him covered.

When we are betrayed by those closest to us, or when vengeance rises in our hearts to retaliate, we can take heart because God is our defender…our judge…and our vindicator.

Jesus was so secure in his relationship with his Father that even a sloppy, sick kiss and a friend losing control did not daunt him one bit from fulfilling that which he was called to do.

What an incredible Savior we have, and to think – he lives inside our hearts – accomplishing God’s will in our lives – even in the face of terrible adversity.