“And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.” (John 18:2-3 KJV).
Before this clandestinely swoop happened, Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests to betray the Lord to them. They were delighted and promised to give him money (Mark 13:10-11). He casually went to them: “and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26:15 NIV). This was a well organized sellout plan duly mapped out with the chief priests and temple officers (Luke 22:4-5). In both Matthew’s and Mark’s account, Judas Iscariot has been watching his Master for the right opportunity to hand Him to the religious authorities (Matthew 26:16; Mark 14:11). Familiar with the usual meeting place where they gather, Judas came with a band of men and officers with lanterns. He even set a sign of kiss to identify who the Lord Jesus Christ is (Luke 22:47-48).
We must recognize though that this betrayal is not a Judas Iscariot issue. Judas is us. He’s just like us or we like him, a person in a flesh of weakness. His sin is no greater than anyone’s sin. He sinned and we too sin as we are still in our flesh walking in a cursed world under the influence of darkness. The issue at hand is the enemy - the Devil. He is in the world roaming like a roaring lion looking who he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The reason we must always wear the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). And, we must always come to the Lord Jesus by faith, like Apostle Peter, in times of failure. He will restore!
If only Judas waited for the risen Lord Jesus, he could have run to Grace. We, as well, like Peter who sinned, must run to Grace! Peter along with John ran to enter the empty tomb where Grace was laid (John 20:3-7). When Peter saw the Lord Jesus at the shore in Galilee he jump off the boat into the water (John 21:7). Here in this encounter with the Lord, he was restored by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. “He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17 ESV). And Scriptures promised us this: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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