August 29
________________________________________
THE BETRAYAL OF JUDAS ISCARIOT
18 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. 2 Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3 Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. 6 So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 to fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.” 10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” – John 18:1-11
________________________________________
In this account, John highlights the purpose why Jesus became human. He was going to be persecuted and die on the cross. This scene was the beginning of that promise of a Savior for all mankind. Judas Iscariot had to be the person to betray Jesus so that this prophecy may be fulfilled. It was in the garden at night when Judas decided to do this act of treason to his Master. The garden was one of the places that we have seen Jesus in many occasions to spend quiet time with his Father, and it was in this sanctuary that the betrayal also happened. What an irony. It actually shows us the opposite sides of the sanctity of the place against the evil plot of the Pharisees to apprehend Jesus and persecute Him. The soldiers were so used to using force apprehending criminals and law breakers. They were harsh and Jesus assured them that He will not have any resistance and that they can get Him and leave the others alone. We get another glimpse of the impulsive Peter who wanted to fight back and struck the ear of one of the high priest’s slave. Jesus would not put up with violence, so He stopped Peter from this act and reminded Him that the will of God needs to be fulfilled and no one can stop it.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think God used a greedy man Judas to be part of this big scene?