Matthew 26:14-46
In this section we read some of what was going on at the Last Supper. Jesus reveals He knows that Judas will betray him, and, although Judas has already made a deal with the Jewish leaders, he acts surprised. Really?!?
After Judas leaves, Jesus breaks the bread and shares the cup – and tells us to do the same in remembrance of His shedding His Blood for us.
Then Jesus drops a bombshell. “Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me…” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” (verses 31, 33)
I wonder if Peter was just being overly confident in his devotion… or if he really didn’t believe that Jesus would allow Himself to be arrested and killed. If Jesus couldn’t be overpowered… He’d certainly also take care of His disciples.
But…. Jesus was arrested. He could have asked His Father to send lots of angels (one would have been enough!)
And Peter and the disciples ran away.
Psalm 31:19-24
19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love
when I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
What struck me is that in today’s reading in Matthew, Jesus is arrested because of the intrigues of men. He was arrested and sentenced to death. Does that sound like He is being “hidden” and “safe?” But remember, He had accepted this “cup” in the Garden of Gethsemane.
People around the world … followers of Jesus … are being arrested, tortured and killed. Are they safe? Are they hidden? Physically? Doesn’t look like it. But according to Colossians 3:3, For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And no one can take that life away!