This Holy Thursday afforded me another opportunity to experience something I had not witnessed before. It was another case of seeing God’s providential hand where one event leads to another and another producing good adventures!
It all started when I drove by a school where I saw a musical was going to be presented. Having a friend’s birthday coming up and wanting to do something special and different I asked if she wanted to see the musical. What are the chances that it happens to be one that is one of her favorites? I couldn’t get tickets for the day we really wanted so picked another day that had some tickets available. As soon as we walk in the school I bumped into a couple who I have known through the years. And, what are the chances that their assigned seats were exactly right behind ours?
As we were waiting for the auditorium doors to open we were conversing and heard about a Maundy Thursday program at their church. My friend and I both thought it sounded interesting and said we would like to go. So that is exactly what we did!
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The presentation is based on these Scripture passages:
After Jesus had said these things, he was deeply troubled and told his disciples, “I tell you for certain that one of you will betray me.” They were confused about what he meant. And they just stared at each other.
Jesus’ favorite disciple was sitting next to him at the meal, and Simon motioned for that disciple to find out which one Jesus meant. So the disciple leaned toward Jesus and asked, “Lord, which one of us are you talking about?”
Jesus answered, “I will dip this piece of bread in the sauce and give it to the one I was talking about.”
Then Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Right then Satan took control of Judas. –John 13:21-27 (CEV)
The twelve apostles each share their stories of when they first met Jesus and what their experiences with Him had been like in the few short years they had together; their personal thoughts and feelings.
It really was meaningful to hear from each of the apostles, their points of view of the different events and stories that are so familiar to us. As they are sharing these reflections they keep wondering and after finishing their discourse, look to Jesus and say. “Lord, is it I,” that will end up betraying you?
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As we know Jesus dipped the bread and handed it to Judas, the one Jesus was referring to that evening.
While he was still speaking, 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. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. –Matthew 26:47-49 (NIV)
We also know that another apostle present at the Jesus’ Last Supper ended up denying knowing Jesus three times before the cock crowed.
About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” –Luke 22:59-61 (NIV)
As I was in the process of penning these thoughts this week, my eyes were opened to another way Simon Peter betrayed Jesus.
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” –John 18:10-11 (NIV)
What about the apostle Thomas that was present at the Last Supper? After Jesus died and appeared to all of the disciples except for Thomas, we read this:
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” –John 20:24-25 (NIV)
One powerful point that I think is so important to remember is that even though Jesus knew Judas would betray Him with a kiss and that Simon Peter would deny knowing Him, and that Thomas would need to see to believe, Jesus still loved them all dearly. He felt no ill will against them; yes, Jesus still loved them unconditionally.
Jesus extended the invitation to spend His last meal with them!
I came away from this service thinking how appropriate it is that we can apply this thought of betraying Jesus in our own lives asking this same question of ourselves, like each of the apostles,
Lord, how many times do we betray you in our lives? Take a few moments to reflect on that question for you personally.
What are ways WE betray Jesus in our lives?
–not spending time in prayer daily
–not faithfully reading scripture daily
–not sharing what our relationship with Jesus has done in our life
–not standing up for our beliefs that make us different from the world
–not remembering how each moment is an opportunity to praise and glorify Him with our life
–not living each day as the gift that it is
–denying His power working through us
–not sharing our time, talent, treasure because of being too focused on ourselves
–doubting Jesus’ Presence in our lives
–doubting the power of the resurrection that lives in us
Consider how Simon Peter responded after he realized he did indeed end up denying knowing Jesus three times before the cock crowed:
And he went outside and wept bitterly. –Luke 22:62 (NIV)
He felt remorse and we learn that he then went on to continue to love and serve others in Jesus’ name.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, before His ascension into heaven, one of the times He appeared to His apostles, there is this conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter:
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” –John 21:15-19 (NIV)
What a significant parallel that Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him!
Jesus forgave Simon Peter for betraying Him and Simon Peter continued to further Jesus’ kingdom on earth.
What can we do when we realize we have betrayed Jesus?
–Repent from our heart
–Ask Jesus to help us
–Confess our sins
–Seek His forgiveness
In case you are interested in checking out what the presentation is like, I found this link that mirrored the one we saw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOEn_Dxpaq8
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. –Ephesians 2:19-21 (NIV)
