Exploring Easter 4/4/23

Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it. Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was imploding on him, went out and met them. He said, “Who are you after?” They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said, “That’s me.” The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb. Jesus asked again, “Who are you after?” They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.” “I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”) Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant’s name.
John 18:1-2,5,7-8,10 MSG

Day 2
Betrayed
Opportunities in Disguise 
            I once heard a message delivered by a Pastor in the States that, in a nutshell, said that the difference between a wasted and an accepted opportunity is your decision to either step away from the fight or towards it.
            Now, I’m sure that most of us would rather step away from a fight or struggle of any kind. As humans we tend to lean more towards being creatures of comfort rather than creatures of adversity.
            However, the highlighted scripture from today reminds me that Jesus knew that His greatest opportunity – saving the world – meant stepping towards the fight.
           
Plot Twist 
            For Jesus to step towards His fight, He had to be betrayed. Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him and that his betrayal was necessary to the plot line of His story.
            Isn’t it remarkable that, even after sowing into the life of Judas and spending time building him up as a disciple, Jesus did all this fully aware that, one day, Judas would choose money over loyalty?
            When hard times in our lives come along, we are often quick to avoid facing them, aren’t we? But what if the very hardship that you are facing is what is going to shape your greatest opportunity?
            Just as Jesus was betrayed so that He would face His cross, what opportunity in your life is wrapped up in a fight?
           
Questions 
Q1. What does today’s scripture reveal to you?
Q2. What fight are you running from that you could be stepping towards?
Q3. What could change in your life if you met the challenge head on?

Exploring Easter
Youversion devotional
PUBLISHER
CBN Europe