Betrayed, Abandoned and Denied

   Judas led the soldiers to Jesus.  For thirty pieces of silver he betrayed the Son of God.  But his betrayal was not the last insult our Lord would suffer from those who were His followers.

   When He was arrested Mark tells us, “And they all left him and fled.” (Mark 14: 50).  Those who had walked with Jesus, who had said they were willing to die for Him, ran away in fear, leaving Him to face His passion alone.  Only John followed Him throughout His ordeal.

   Peter, at first quietly came along, not to support but only to watch.  He had said, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.”  And yet, as foretold by Christ, he denied even knowing Him and ran away.

   Where were these followers of Christ during His passion and death?    Perhaps the question we really need to ask is where are we, followers of Jesus, when standing with Him is difficult or just embarrassing or inconvenient?

   How many times have we stood silently as others gossiped?  Have we chuckled at the off-color jokes and failed to turn away at the lewd pictures sometimes passed around?  Where is our faith when standing up for it might cause others to think us a little odd for believing?  Do we, like the apostles, run and hide?  Do we, to remain “one of the guys or gals”, deny even knowing Jesus by the way we live our lives?

   On the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23: 34).  Even while dying, He had mercy on those who had condemned Him and nailed Him to the cross.  His mercy and forgiveness is offered to you and me when we fail Him.  When we betray, abandon and deny Him, His love remains.  Let us try ever so hard to emulate John, following our Lord even when following Him is difficult.

Too often we deny you by our actions.

We betray you by our sins.

In Your mercy You forgive.

Give us strength to always stand with You.

Amen