Easter Story from Matthew 26:47-56
In this part of passion week, Judas betrays Jesus and He is arrested like a common criminal.
When the soldiers came along with Judas, who betrayed Him, they did not realize they were arresting the Almighty.
Those too Jesus forgave on the cross.
Let’s remember this Easter why He came.
Judas Betrays Jesus and He is Arrested
While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”
Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. – Matthew 26:47-50 NASB
Who Did It and Who Did They Arrest?
As Jesus stated; He had sat in the temple and taught. Why did Judas need to point Him out to the religious leaders (not Roman soldiers by the way)?
They knew perfectly well who Jesus was but Judas was to be the formal accuser in case of a trial. He needed to “pick Christ out of a lineup” so to speak.
He did so by kissing Jesus on the cheek.
Another side note is that the arrest was made in a secluded area so that the crowds of followers would not be there to interfere with the plan.
Peter Strikes Out against the Accusers
With the pending arrest, one disciple lashed out with his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants.
Peter had always been outspoken and this was just another example of his rushing to “help” Jesus, not understanding the complete story of what was about to happen.
Jesus quieted him and again told of how Scripture had to be fulfilled by His obedience and faith in the Father, not by the force of a sword.
The Disciples Flee
The brave followers of Christ who vowed to go to their deaths rather than abandon Him, fled.
We can’t put too much emphasis or blame on the disciples’ decision to run because they did not yet know the rest of the story.
Later, after the day of Pentecost ( Acts 2:1-13) , Peter and other disciples were willing to suffer, and even die for their belief in Jesus. Many of them did.
As I write this there are Christians throughout the world putting their lives in danger each day to tell the story of Christ to those who have not heard it.
What are We Willing to Do?
I know that everyone is not called to be a foreign missionary and travel to another country or even travel across our own country. But, we can support the effort in other ways by giving our time, talents or financial help to bring the Message to others.
There are many fine Christian ministries but one that comes to mind is the International Mission Board.
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B000M49HEO” locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/51X0gFF12BAL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”100″]If you have the means, giving to this organization keeps Christians in the field around the world so I ask that you give to this or other mission efforts.
Let’s not abandon Christ the way the disciples did on that fateful night.
Take a moment to go here to see what the IMB does.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to take a look at John 3:16.
Read Today’s Verses Here:
NASB
NKJV