Key Passage
Judas planned to do something to show the people which man was Jesus. Judas said, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him and guard him while you lead him away.” So Judas went to Jesus and said, “Teacher!” Then Judas kissed Jesus. Then the men grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
— Mark 14:44-46 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
How sadly ironic! Judas betrays the one who loves him most with a kiss. For everyone whose heart has been broken by someone he or she loves, this is a great reminder that Jesus knows those deep feelings of betrayal and loss. Here is a Savior in whom we can confide. He knows our dashed hopes and our broken hearts. He promises to strengthen us and be with us in our dark hours of need. Most of all, he promises to dry every single tear from our eyes and welcome us home.
Prayer
Father in heaven, betrayal by someone we love is such a deep and cutting wound that many of us on your small blue planet never recover. Thank you for reminding us—reminding me—that Jesus knows this deep bitter sorrow firsthand and can help us in our time of need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scriptures
We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue strongly in the faith we have. Jesus, the high priest that we have, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways that we are tempted, but he never sinned. With Jesus as our high priest we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace (forgiveness). There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.
— Hebrews 4:14-16
But Jesus lives forever. He will never stop serving as priest. So Christ can save those people who come to God through him. Christ can do this forever, because he always lives, ready to help people when they come before God.
— Hebrews 7:24-25
Those children are people with physical bodies. So Jesus himself became like those people and had the same experiences people have. Jesus did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death. That one is the devil. Jesus became like those people and died so that he could free them. They were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. Jesus helps the people who are from Abraham. For this reason Jesus had to be made like us his brothers and sisters in every way. Jesus became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then Jesus could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. And now Jesus can help those people who are tempted. Jesus is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.
— Hebrews 2:14-18
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