“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went over to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.” Luke 22:3-4
Place Number 2-a grove of olive trees (Jesus is betrayed and arrested)
Jesus had just finished praying and went to His disciples and said, “…Look, the time has come, I, the Son of Man, am betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. See, my betrayer is here! (Matthew 26:45-46) After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had gone there many times with his disciples.” John 18:1-2
Accompanied by a battalion of Roman soldiers and Temple guards (armed with swords and clubs) Judas led them to Jesus. He said you will know which one to arrest when I go over and give Him the kiss of greeting. “So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Teacher!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.” “Jesus said, ‘My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.’ Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.” Matthew 26:50
The very ones God created were the very ones that betrayed and arrested Him. And it would be them and us that He would go on and finish doing what He was called to do. Die for us! When we get offended or hurt we become angry and act out according to how we feel. Jesus does the very opposite, He chose love and acted on it. If He would have acted the way we do, He would have killed everyone who upset Him. There is no deeper love for people than the love of Christ!
Just as He goes on to say, “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” Matthew 26:53-54
Who on earth could ever receive the kiss of betrayal and then look into the face of all those who came to arrest them and still go forth with love. Jesus! Are you starting to see the amazing love Christ has for you? He didn’t fight back, He didn’t yell and say ugly things, He didn’t say you ignorant people I am doing this for you and this is how you are going to treat me? He went and willingly at that, knowing that it was only going to get worse, that, my brother and sister is agape love to its fullest.
Jesus for me this is one of the true examples of love You have shown. You knew all that was going to happen down to the minute and You knew exactly how You would be betrayed and why. Yet You went on because of Your love for us. You know today who will betray You, who will refuse You, who will mock You and yet You love them anyway! Jesus may I see all people through Your eyes. Thank You Jesus for the gift of life that we are unworthy of, but that is given freely because of Your love. Amen
