Betrayal –  It’s one of life’s greatest pains.

Luke 22:39

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 26:31-39

³¹… Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.  ³²But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”  ³³Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” ³⁴“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ³⁵But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. 

³⁶Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”  ³⁷He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. 

³⁸Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” 

³⁹Going a little farther, He fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 

Matthew 26:40-41

⁴⁰Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?”  He asked Peter.

⁴¹“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 

Matthew 26:42-47

⁴²He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 

⁴³When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 

⁴⁴So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 

⁴⁵Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” ⁴⁷While he was still speaking [waking them up], Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived.  

The Betrayal Matthew 26: 48-50

…Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived.  With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”  ⁴⁹Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. ⁵⁰Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” 

Matthew 26:56 screeches to a halt with a shocking, abrupt ending:

Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. 

All the disciples betrayed Jesus.

They couldn’t pray with Him.

They wouldn’t stay with Him.

In the end, they ran away from Him.

THE BETRAYED – FORGIVING OTHERS

This final moment in the Garden with Jesus, Peter, the other disciples, Judas the betrayer and the mob was a remarkable lesson that gives insight into how we are supposed to treat our enemies – how to forgive.

THE BETRAYER – FORGIVING YOURSELF

“If I’m like anyone in the story, it’s definitely not Jesus. I’m more like Peter. I’m the one who just can’t get it right.”

What was the PURPOSE?

If you’re like Peter, there is good news for you!!

Jesus is STILL CHOOSING you today!