THURSDAY, MARCH 22
Luke 22:1-38
Ephesians 6:10-18

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers…”

THE BETRAYAL

The religious leaders, the chief priests and scribes were the active instruments in the betrayal of Jesus. They hated Him so much that they wanted to kill Him. However, the fear of the people prevented them, so they looked for someone to connive with them. The main conspirator of course was Satan. His plan was to eliminate the Son of God, and he made use of Judas. Judas’ love for money drove him to exchange Jesus for the promised thirty silver pieces. Judas was with Jesus for more than three years and yet he was never converted.

The Passover meal recalls God’s passing over the Hebrews to slay the firstborn of Egypt (Exod 12:12). This foreshadowed the shedding of the blood of the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world. Jesus commemorated the eating of the Passover with His disciples. He instituted the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance for His children throughout all generations. The eating of the bread and the drinking of the cup is done to remember His death on the cross for our sins and His coming again to take us up with Him.

Jesus knew all that would happen, yet He chose Judas to be one of His apostles. Judas, however, was not a passive participant for he was a thief since the beginning. Jesus cautioned that the primary cause of betrayals is pride. With pride comes self-confidence, as Peter believed he had courage to follow Jesus even unto death. But for the grace of God, no man can withstand the wiles of the devil.

Jesus cautioned them not to be overly concerned beyond what God has provided. He told them to buy a sword to teach them that Christians are on earth to fight and not for comfortable living. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12).

THOUGHT: Am I a believer or an unregenerate betrayer?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the heart to follow and to fight for Thee.