Key Thought

The phrase that hurts me most for Jesus in this verse is "one of his twelve disciples." Jesus is betrayed by "one of his own." Not only that, he was betrayed by an act of loving greeting. Everything about this event is hurtful and horrifying. How can someone with whom you've shared your most intimate moments and deepest truths give you up to those who hate you? Unfortunately, it happens all too frequently. However, when we go through such trials, we can be assured that Jesus knows our pain and lovingly draws alongside us to comfort us. He has been there. He has suffered excruciating pain all set up by the betrayal of one of his closest friends. So in our hurt, let us draw near to him and know that he is there to help us make it through our hours of deepest darkness and despair.

Today's Prayer

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Father, thank you for being so close and personal. Thank you for not being far off and detached. Thank you for experiencing our earthly pain when Jesus was one of us. I now draw near to receive your grace and help in my time of need. In the name of Jesus, my faithful friend, Lord, and Savior I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Jesus left the city (Jerusalem) and went to the Mount of Olives. His followers went with him. (Jesus went there often.) Jesus said to his followers, "Pray for strength against temptation." Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He kneeled down and prayed, "Father, if it is what you want, then let me not have this cup {of suffering}. But do what you want, not what I want." Then an angel from heaven appeared. The angel was sent to help Jesus. Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like he was bleeding. When Jesus finished praying, he went to his followers. They were asleep. (Their sadness had made them very tired.) Jesus said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation." While Jesus was speaking, a group of people came. One of the twelve apostles was leading the group. He was Judas. Judas came close to Jesus so that he could kiss Jesus. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you using the kiss {of friendship} to give the Son of Man {to his enemies}?" The followers of Jesus were standing there too. They saw what was happening. The followers said to Jesus, "Lord, should we use our swords?" And one of the followers did use his sword. He cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus said, "Stop!" Then Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him. The group that came to arrest Jesus were the leading priests, the older Jewish leaders, and the Jewish soldiers. Jesus said to them, "Why did you come out here with swords and sticks? Do you think I am a criminal? I was with you every day in the temple area. Why didn't you try to arrest me there? But this is your time--the time when darkness (sin) rules."

— Luke 22:39-53 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.