It Is Finished
What a Love!
Written By: Sheree O’Pry
Matthew 26:47-56 (NASB)
47 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. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands-on Jesus and seized Him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will a once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?’ 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.
Our mighty God may your presence be felt in the reading of your word. Bless the reader I pray, Amen.
In the small time that the disciples walked with Jesus they still did not fully take in the impact of what was about to happen. Jesus spoke many times about his upcoming death. Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 8:31-32, Luke 9:21-22 (the first time). Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32 and Luke 9:43-45 (the second time) and Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, and Luke 18:31-34 (the third time). In John, Jesus gives more subtle hints nonetheless they are very clear and at least worth a disciple saying, “Wait, what?” John12:7-8, John 13:33, and John 14:25.
So why were they so surprised? Why did they flee? Let’s look at a bit more. Judas betrayed him yet Jesus called him “Friend”. He called him Satan at the dinner table, now friend. Peter denied Him not once, but three times and ALL the disciples fled when Jesus was arrested! Who does this remind you of? It reminds me of me. I really believe we have all been Judas or Peter or just one of the disciples who fled when the going got rough at some time in our lives after knowing Jesus. Jesus in His goodness still loved the disciples, and He still loves you and me.
Verses 52-53 above in our reading says He knew it all had to happen the way it did to fulfill the prophecies. And he asked the disciples, (paraphrased) Are you serious? Do you not think I can bypass all this upcoming pain and horrible death I am about to suffer by just calling on My Father? This MUST all happen!
So why did they betray, deny, and flee? To show us they were just like us. And Jesus still forgave and forgives. In all of valleys and mountains, He is still there. If you don’t feel Him, it is because you moved. He does not! There is nothing you can do that will stop Him from loving you.
Father how wonderful you are to have this wonderful plan of the giving of your Son just for us. Having lost two children and a grandchild, I know the pain of watching them suffer and die. I am on my face in awe at the love you display to all your children in our great time of need. I wish I could have been there to put my arms around you when you had to watch all the ugly things we did to your Son. I know your heart grieved. What an un-matchless love you have for us. I thank you for wrapping your arms around me in my time of great loss. Bless those who hold steady and strong against the enemy. In the precious name of Jesus our LORD, Savior, and Sanctifier! Amen
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