This week’s readings are all from Matthew 26. Click here to see a full listing of each day’s reading and the full chapters of Matthew 26. Full readings of each day’s smaller segments of the readings will be posted on this site during the week.
Today's Reading
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him!”) 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and took hold of Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of those with Jesus grabbed his sword, drew it out, and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place! For all who take hold of the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions of angels right now? 54 How then would the scriptures that say it must happen this way be fulfilled?” 55 At that moment Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple courts, yet you did not arrest me. 56 But this has happened so that the scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Judas betrayed him and the disciples left him. How humanly alone must Jesus have felt.
I’m reminded of the passage we talked about with Youth last night, specifically Philippians 2:6-11… Jesus emptying and humbling himself, not holding onto his true equality with God, but perfectly obedient to the will of the Father to fulfill His promise and make a way for all people.
It would be hard enough to let this happen as a normal person, but ALSO knowing you are the King of Kings, and still! To know you have 12 legions of angels ready for action, but laying down your life instead. Wow…