Weekly Magazine | The Road to Redemption
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Trusting Jesus Even When All Seems Hopeless
By: Deborah Rutherford
Jesus and His disciples gathered for Passover dinner. That evening, Jesus knew that Judas would deceive, the disciples abandon, and Peter deny, but He washed their dusty feet anyway. Jesus broke bread and prayed for them; time was of the essence. Then Jesus and three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, walked to the Garden of Gethsemane. They fell asleep outside the garden in the cool night while Jesus prayed in the quiet grove of olive trees. Sorrowful in agony, tears dripping like blood, Jesus asked the Father to let this cup pass. But Jesus obeyed: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39).
DEALING WITH BETRAYAL
How heartbreaking it must have been for Jesus to see a trail of burning lights edging closer as a hostile mob raced toward Him (Matt. 26:47). The hosannas died down. As Judas arrived, think of the confusion on the other disciples' faces and the calm assurance of Jesus. Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi," and leaned in to kiss Jesus (Matt. 26:49). Jesus asked, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48).
Nothing stings like a dagger disguised as a kiss. I discovered this the day that a friend with whom I had enjoyed many meals and conversations betrayed me. I admit that anger pulsed through my veins for many years. I have difficulty forgiving, but Jesus does not. Judas's treachery did not stop Jesus from loving Judas and calling him a friend (Matt. 26:50).
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