04/17/2025
It’s Thursday.
Jesus gives instructions to the disciples on where to prepare the Passover.
It’s evening, supper time. The last supper.
They begin to eat. Jesus reveals that one of the disciples will betray him. They all ask individually if it is themself. Judas asks last. Jesus confirms.
Jesus knew, but Judas ate too.
He breaks bread and gives to them to eat, a symbol of his body. He gives them a cup to drink, a symbol of his blood that will be shed for the forgiveness of sin.
My sin. Judas’ sin. Your sin. All sin.
They head for the Mount of Olives. Jesus predicts that another disciple will betray, deny him. Three times. Peter insists he never would.
Now in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays. He asks God - if possible, take this cup from me. A second time He prays - if possible, take this cup from me. He calls upon God for once more but this time He prays - if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.
Soon after, Judas shows up with a crowd of men. And with a single kiss, Judas follows through. He commits the ultimate betrayal.
Arrested and in the hands of the enemy, Jesus is brought back to town. Religious leaders again try to find fault in Jesus, even seeking false witnesses. They deliver an unjust verdict - guilty.
Jesus is beaten, spat on, mocked.
Peter is found. He is asked if he knows Jesus, he denies. He is asked again, he denies. And for a third time, just as predicted, Peter denies knowing Jesus.
Betrayed again.
It’s Thursday. But Sunday is coming.
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