December 31
A greater authority
While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Mark 14:43 (NKJV)
The storm clouds of betrayal that had been brewing in Judas’ heart finally broke. He led a mob of religious leaders and soldiers to Gethsemane, where he knew Jesus would be. What follows is fairly familiar to most of us. Judas walked up to Jesus and kissed Him, which was a pre-arranged sign to the arresting officers to seize Him.
It’s one of the most despicable and shameful examples of human behavior…taking a kiss, something meant to communicate blessing, and using it as an instrument of betrayal. Judas certainly bore his share of blame in this, but Jesus mentioned something as He was arrested that ought to pique our attention:
Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Mark 14:48-49 (NKJV)
It’s that last sentence we need to unpack. Despite Judas’ betrayal, despite the mob that had amassed to lawlessly seize Him, despite all the sin and treachery that had led up to this moment, Jesus saw a greater authority at work. The Scriptures foretold of Him being betrayed, arrested, beaten, and sacrificed for man’s sin (Isaiah 52:12-53:12). Judas did something very evil, but God was still in control and would even use man’s wrongdoing for good.
In life, it’s awfully tempting to focus on the sin that comes our way. People lie to us, hurt us, maybe even betray us. When that happens, we ought to take a cue from our Lord by recognizing the greater authority at work. God is in ultimate control, and He assures us that He will use everything, even evil, to fulfill something good in our lives.
All things work together for good to those who love God… Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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