Friday after Lent 5

LentMicah6-8_mgs999

43 Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? 49 Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.” 50 And they all left Him and fled. 51 A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. 52 But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. ~ Mark 14:43-52 (NASB)

How ironic that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss—a symbol of love. It’s hard to accept when someone we care for betrays us in some way. Yet none of us has ever had as terrible betrayal as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although He knew that Judas would betray Jesus, God used him for His good purposes to put Jesus to death in our place, for our sins, on our behalf.

Forgive me, Lord, for those times I betray You by my actions. Thank You for all that Jesus did for me. Guide me by the Holy Spirit to live a life of faithfulness and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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