Passion Week: Day 2 “The Denial and the Abandonment”
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve Disciples chosen by Jesus Christ. For over 3 years, Judas followed the Lord, learned His teachings, and witnessed His miracles. He also betrayed the Christ for a few pieces of silver. Before allowing God to bestow the opportunity of restoration, mercy, and forgiveness, Judas hanged himself, knowing what he had done was the ultimate betrayal.
Jesus had foretold Peter that he (Peter) would deny Him (Jesus) before the rooster had a chance to crow. It’s no secret that Peter loved the Lord very much. While he was chosen of the Lord, he was also a man, subject to the same fears, mistakes, anger, and weakness we all are. During his moment of weakness, Peter disowned the Lord. The same Lord that called him blessed for his declaration that Jesus is the Christ, son of the Father. The same Lord that allowed him to witness His transfiguration. The same Lord that allowed him the privilege to be in the room with Him as He brought a young child back to life. The same Lord that proved his faith could allow him to walk on water, and the same Lord that saved him when his faith wavered. This was the same Lord that Peter denied.
One disciple betrayed Jesus, and another denied Him. So, that now leaves ten (10) Disciples. Again, in the gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus ordained His disciples and gave them the power to heal sickness and cast out demons. Like Judas and Peter, these remaining 10 disciples learned at the feet of the Lord and witnessed His many miracles. But when the opportunity came to stand with the Lord and endure sufferings with Him, the disciples “left Him and fled” after He was arrested (c.14).
Think about it: the Bible tells us that each morning God’s mercies for us are brand new. The Crucifixion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus is about love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. As Jesus endured torture, beatings, and humiliation, the very men He’d spent 3 ½ years vesting in were in hiding. But soon after His Resurrection, the Lord sent for them. Jesus’ love for them was so obvious, so apparent, and so great, no words needed to be spoken by Him or His disciples. He had just proven to them how much He loved them, and on that new morning, reminded them that brand new mercy had been given to them by God the Father.
We, too, have denied Jesus in some way or the other. When we credit good things that happen in our lives to luck, we deny Him. When we credit our successes to ourselves, we deny Him. But when we go through our own humiliation and crucifixion, we cry out to Him. And just as the Lord immediately saved Peter on the sea of Galilee, He’s always right there to save us. After all Jesus has done and
continues to do for us today, don’t let your lifestyle, behavior, actions, speech, and attitude reflect denial of Him.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.