Greetings! We are reading a passage from the New Testament today. We read Matthew 26:47-68.
The Betrayal by Judas. From vv47 to 56, we read that Jesus was betrayed by Judas witha kiss. He was made and arrested by an angry mob. Violence errupted when one of his companions cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus told his companion to put the sword away. Matthew did not record this in his account but Luke, the doctor did – Jesus healed the ear of the servant, whose name was Malchus.
The Denial by Peter. From vv 57 to 60, we read that Peter followed at a distance. From vv 69 to 75, we read that Peter denied knowing Jesus three times just as Jesus told him he would. Did Peter not love Jesus? I want to believe he did. Then why did the disciple who is arguably the most vocal, denied Jesus not once, not twice, but thrice in a trice? Peter’s denial of Jesus showcased the fragility of our faith in face of great fear. It can happen.
The Glory of the Messiah. During the interrogation, Jesus declared his identiry as the Messiah and the Son of Man. No one knew it then but this foreshadows his glory and the victory in the very near future.
When was the last time you were betrayed or felt betrayed? Do you still remember the pain? Remember that God is wlays with you. We need to be humble. Peter was so certain he would never denied Jesus. He did, three times before the rooster crowed. Instead of being arrogant, acknowledge our weaknesses and that that we rely on God’s strength to overcome them.
How can you cultuvate a stronger dependance on God even indifficult times? Do you have problem trusting people?
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