SATURDAY, MARCH 24
Luke 22:47-53
Proverbs 27:1-6

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

JUDAS

Jesus was betrayed by His own apostle, an account that is included in the records of all the four evangelists (Matt 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:47-48; John 18:2-5). Judas brought with him a multitude to capture Jesus. He kissed his Master to identify Him from the rest of the disciples. A kiss is a greeting, a sign of friendship, it is supposed to be a sign of love and tenderness, but Judas used this to betray Jesus. It was a cruel method of betrayal by a man who professed to be a follower and a friend. As a compassionate Lord, Jesus still called Judas a friend (Matt 26:50). “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov 27:6). The enemies and the world will try to befriend us and we may give in thinking they are for us but be careful for they are actually the enemies of Christ.

Peter did try to resist the captors but Jesus prevented him from going further. Jesus told Peter, “Suffer ye thus far” for it is not by violence that we do the will of God but by meek endurance. In another narrative, Jesus told Peter that He could pray to the Father to give Him more than twelve legions of angels (a legion is a division of more than 6,000 men). Yet, He did not do so because of His great love for all men. Jesus instead healed and restored the man’s ear. Jesus’ love can never be measured nor be compared with any man’s.

Jesus knew what would happen and also the perfect timing of the betrayal. The time came when He should be delivered up into the hands of wicked men and devils. Satan would not have power to triumph over Jesus for a season if the Father did not allow it. It was the moment God had permitted to effect the power of darkness. Read John 10:17-18. May none of us be driven to betray our Lord!

THOUGHT: Do I really love my Lord Jesus?
PRAYER: Father, may I live a life abiding with Thee and let me not be caused in any way to betray Thee.