At Easter time, many people tend to think about hiding eggs, buying baskets and gifts.
But, for Christians, it’s a time to reflect about what Jesus did for us.
He was betrayed by Judas, arrested, beaten, and sent to the cross to die for our sins so that we may have everlasting life.
Let’s take a look at these verses from Mark 14 to reflect on what really happened that night.
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested – Easter Week
Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.”
After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
They laid hands on Him and seized Him.
But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.
And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.”
And they all left Him and fled.
A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. – Mark 14:43-52 NASB
Arrested and Betrayed
These are the days of Passion Week. This is the week leading up to the crucifixion of Christ.
This lesson is fairly brief. But, I do want to go over three quick points mentioned in Mark, but clarified by other books of the Scripture..
- Peter was the disciple who cut off the ear of the high priests’ slave (John 18:10).
- And, just as Jesus predicted earlier that evening, all the disciples fled when the confrontation came.
- The young man who fled naked? Many believe this was Mark himself. He told this likely just to let us know he was there.
All the Disciples Left Jesus Alone
The disciples were afraid – and why wouldn’t they be?
What about us?
The question is whether or not we would run and hide; or stay and fight for Christ.
How many times have we “fled” (withdrawn) when someone spoke out against Jesus?
Christ commanded us to Go, Serve, and Share.
Does this only mean when doing so is popular?
Truth is, Christianity is under attack all around the world–Even in the United States where we are guaranteed the freedom of religion.
I talked about Abdul in a previous devotional so I won’t go into details.
The final question is; Are we willing to defend (share the news about) Him now?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you have never made the commitment to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16…