Monday, February 23, 2015
Matthew 26:47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
PLACES OF THE PASSION -- GETHSEMANE
Gethsemane was located just east of Jerusalem at the foot of the Mount of Olives. It wasn't far from the city wall, and within sight of the temple of the LORD. It's quite possible that an oil press was located on site, giving the place its name -- Gethsemane. It's a place where Jesus went often with His disciples, the place where He earnestly prayed the Eternal Father, seeking strength for His suffering.
The arrival of Judas Iscariot at Gethsemane came as no surprise to Jesus. In fact, having returned a third time from prayer, He told His disciples to get up because the betrayer was at hand.
It need not have been a surprise for two good reasons. First of all, the betrayal of the Christ was foreshadowed in the Old Testament Scriptures. In Psalm 41:9, David spoke of his own betrayal in a way that pictures the betrayal in Gethsemane. The Prophet Zechariah foretold the striking of the Christ and the scattering of the disciples (Zechariah 13:7). Second, Jesus foretold it would occur that very night! All four gospel writers reveal that Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him.
Some of Jesus' disciples are remembered for their mistakes. Simon Peter and Thomas come to mind. Peter is remembered for his denial of Jesus; Thomas for his doubts after the resurrection. Judas Iscariot is simply remembered as "The Betrayer." Matthew's gospel reports that after the anointing at Bethany, Judas went and presented himself to the prominent priests and asked (Matthew 26:15b-16): "What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Let's not only look at Judas' words and actions. Let's look at Jesus' reply. After Judas kissed him as a show to betray Him, Jesus reached out to Judas, calling him "Friend." The Gospel of Luke reveals that Jesus asked him a further question: "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Judas, think about what you are doing.
No matter how bad life seems, there is still one person who reaches out to comfort and to encourage -- and that's Jesus. When we've reached the bottom, when we are depressed and feel lost and alone, may God in mercy enable us to hear Christ's voice and cling to His words of promise -- the good news of the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting!
