Day 37 - The Betrayal and Arrest in the Garden - More of Jesus Devotional

The Betrayal and Arrest in the Garden.

Tad Coit

Experiencing or watching betrayal is an action that causes a very painful emotion in us. Most of us have experienced some kind of

betrayal in our lives. Have you been betrayed by someone you thought was a friend or confidant? Unfortunately, some of us have experienced betrayal within the confines of the church community. Have you been wounded by someone in what should be a place of spiritual protection?

Jesus experienced the ultimate betrayal when his friend Judas brought the authorities to arrest Him. Matthew 26:48-50 describes how Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss.

“Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!”

and kissed Him.

But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”

Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”

Jesus’ reaction to this arrest and to the trials that follow are a wonderful model for us all. Jesus does not act with anger or try to get revenge. He stays calm as His friend betrays Him and while He is verbally attacked by His accusers. How often do we try to get revenge on those who have wronged us? Noticeably, Jesus doesn’t go there.

The other powerful lesson for us is that this story makes it even easier for us to go to Jesus for help. After all, Jesus has already experienced this feeling of abandonment. He knows and understands what we are going through because He has already been there. Jesus can sympathize with us when we are feeling betrayed because He has known the feelings of being wronged by someone close.

So the next time you are going through that painful emotion of being betrayed, go to Jesus. He wants to comfort you and knows how to do so because He has gone through the pains of betrayal Himself. 

Verses: 1 Peter 3:9-11, Romans 12:17-21, Philippians 2:7, John 1:14

Questions:

1. How does Jesus model the behavior discussed in 1 Peter 3:9-11 and Romans 12:17-21?

2. How does Philippians 2:7 and John 1:14 give us encouragement to turn to Jesus?

3. Are there people who have betrayed you that you still need to

forgive? What are some things you can do to help you forgive Jesus’ reaction to this arrest and to the trials that follow are a them?