Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:47-68, 27:1-10; Mark 14:43-65; Luke 22:47-54a, 63-71, 23:1-25; John 18:1-11

“Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:42b

But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” – Luke 22:47-48

BETRAYED

Judas approached Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. It was his last moment to touch Jesus — his last moment of freedom. He had been a follower of Jesus, a student of his teaching and a witness of the power of Jesus to heal. Now he was the one handing him over to those who were eager to arrest him.

When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.

But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:49-53

DEFENDED

The disciples were not expecting all that was happening around them. Jesus was back from praying and they had once more fallen asleep. As they were shaking off the heaviness of sleep, the drama of Jesus’ betrayal played out before them. At a loss of how to respond, Peter grabbed the sword he had brought with him and took a swing. But this was not the way Jesus wanted his disciples to handle the situation. They longed to defend and protect him, but he intervened with the power of these four words — No more of this!

ARRESTED

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest – the one who had joined in the plot to kill Jesus. They brought many false witnesses in to tell lies about Jesus and they brought up the moment when Jesus had said, “I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days, I will build another, made without human hands.”

Even though they couldn’t get their stories straight, the people still cried out, “Guilty! He deserves to die!” Then the guards mocked him and beat him, they blindfolded him and hurled insults at him (Mark 14:53-65).

ASSAULTED

The next day, Jesus stood in front of the elders, leading priests and teachers of religious law. They condemned him for saying he was the Son of God. They bound him, led him away and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to die, he went back to the leading priests and tried to undo what he had done. It was too late. Filled with remorse, he threw the silver coins down, left the Temple and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

Father God, as we enjoy our Thanksgiving celebrations, we are reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. You are our Provider and our Protector; you are our Savior and our Redeemer. Your willingness to give your Son for our salvation fills our hearts with gratitude.

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation. – Psalm 100