What does it say?
Jesus told his disciples that in two days time he would be handed over for crucifixion. The leaders of the Jews plotted to seize and kill Jesus, but they feared the people, so they did not think that it wise to seize him during the festival until Judas Iscariot came to them willing to betray him for money. Jesus had reprimanded the disciples for reprimanding a woman who poured a jar of fine perfume on his head. While reclining at the table during the Passover supper, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” (NASB) Each disciples said, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” However, Judas did not call him Lord but used the title Rabbi. Jesus gave the disciples bread to eat and wine to drink as a physical metaphors representing his body and his blood spilled out as a sin sacrifice. Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away this night but would be gathered again after his resurrection. Peter vowed that he would never fall away but Jesus told him that he would deny him three times. Jesus took Peter, James and John to keep watch while he prayed. While he was praying they fell asleep. Jesus went away and prayed a second time but the disciples fell asleep again. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and men with clubs and swords from the leaders of the Jews seized him. One of the disciples attempted to fight back but Jesus reprimanded him. Jesus questioned the crowds motive for coming by night when the could have been seized while he sat in the temple daily. They lead Jesus to Caiaphas, the high priest, and Peter followed at a distance. The council attempted to find false testimony against Jesus but were unsuccessful; therefore, they adjured Jesus to tell them if he believed himself to be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus took it a step further saying that he is the Son of Man spoken of by Daniel 7:13-14. They accused Jesus of blasphemy and beat him with their fists. Peter being in the courtyard denied Jesus. Peter realized what he had done when a rooster crowed; therefore, Peter went away and cried with much grief.
What does it mean?
The leaders of the Jews wanted to kill Jesus by any means possible. They did not fear God but feared the people. They loved the position of honor and authority that they had. They could not find any wrong doing, so they got Jesus to condemn himself. Jesus went further than what they expected. Saying, “I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” (NASB) Jesus being a man was making himself out to be God. (cf. Jn. 10:33) Jesus knew that this would anger them. On behalf of his disciples, Jesus had to die as a sin sacrifice; therefore, he allowed this to happen.
What shall I do?
I shall worship Jesus as Lord and trust in him as my Savior. Jesus is not simply a good teacher. In this chapter, Judas called Jesus Rabbi (teacher) twice; when all the disciples were saying, “Surely not I,” and again when he betrayed Jesus with a kiss. The world has no problem with Jesus being a teacher but the world has a big problem with Jesus being Lord.
