Jesus Sufferings Beyond Physical (Number 2)

Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26:14 Jesus replied, “The one who dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.” Matthew 26:21

Judas had been taught by Jesus for years and watched him heal people and perform miracles that no one else could have done. He had eaten many meals with Jesus and seen him praying. Yet he was willing to take money and hand him over for crucifixion. It is hard to believe. That hurt.

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me.” Matthew 26:31 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:34-35

What does it mean to be disowned by somebody? Does it mean a friend beside you for years no longer stays by your side. Most of us have never known this and those of us who have lost friends because they fear for themselves know how it feels. We saw Hallmark movies that show how devastated friends are after such separations.                                                   

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he turned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Matthew 26:43-45

I can imagine the disciples were tired as we don’t picture them using cars or even bicycles. But Jesus needed them. He saw the steps he would be taking as he died for their sins and our sins. He returned to the disciples to tell them what was going to happen, but they couldn’t believe it was real and soon. If you were in an emergency position and those around just slept instead of standing with you, it would be hard to accept. Imagine how Jesus felt when he saw them resting peacefully.

At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.”  Matthew 26:55

Jesus wasn’t doing anything wrong, but the people he taught in the temple came out with  weapons to capture him. Why could he teach them one day and be an enemy the next?

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I can only imagine how Jesus felt as the people around him were falling away. Yet, we are so blessed for the love he showed us. I have to cross over to the blessing as the other part is too hard for me to absorb. Thank you. Thank you. Help us to tell others. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck