Wednesday Thought -- February 6, 2013

Good Morning Friends,

“Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared.  With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.  Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them:  ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him.  The men seized Jesus and arrested him.  Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.  ‘Am I leading a rebellion,’ said Jesus, ‘that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?  Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me.  But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.’  Then everyone deserted him and fled.” (Mark 14:43-50)

Jesus was betrayed by one who should have been a friend and defender.  Jesus was condemned by those who should have rallied the nation to follow Him.  Jesus was arrested by the soldiers who should have protected Him.  Jesus was deserted by everyone who had shown support of Him.

I can’t imagine the depth of hurt that Jesus felt that night in the Garden when He was arrested.  Already, He had poured out His heart to the Father, asked to be relieved of the responsibility that was ahead, and the Father said, “No.”  There was no way to accomplish what needed to be done except through the pain that lay ahead.  But the pain was so deep.

I don’t think the cross was the worst of what Jesus experienced.  The physical pain would have been bad enough.  The spiritual agony of carrying the sin of the world would have been unbearable for anyone but Jesus.  But I think the worst of the pain was the betrayal and desertion.  The betrayal of Judas – with a kiss, a symbol of love, Judas sold Him to His enemies.  The desertion by all of His followers – no one was left to go with through the pain.  And even the Father turned His back on Jesus as He hung on the cross.  He bore the pain – all of it – alone.

If you are ever betrayed – and many of us have been or will be at some point in our lives in some way – remember that Jesus felt betrayal, too.  He understands.

If you ever feel deserted – left alone by all that you counted on – remember that Jesus felt desertion, too.  He understands.

If you ever find out what it feels like to have the one that you knew would never turn his back on you do it – remember, that Jesus felt that, too.  He understands.

There is no pain that we have ever gone through or ever will, that Jesus hasn’t felt and doesn’t understand.

And He felt all that pain and went through all that agony – for us!

His, by Grace,

Steve