Day 86 | Betrayest Thou
January 2, 2015 - WEEK THIRTEEN
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ, Caravaggio [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
DAILY READING
Matthew 26:46-56
Mark 14:42-52
Luke 22:47-53
John 18:1-11
For Younger Disciples
CONSIDER AS YOU READ
- Do you look for opportunities to heal your enemies as Christ did by healing the ear of the guard’s servant?
- How do you deal with betrayal by one close to you?
- Are you ever guilty of figuratively kissing Christ (outward affection) while, in your heart or actions, you undermine his plan or purpose?
SUPPLEMENTAL READING
Keeping in mind that his was a perfectly sinless life, fathom, if you can, the powers Jesus had at his command. How pitifully futile the might of Pilate’s Roman garrison would have been in the face of the 12 heavenly legions Christ could have summoned, but didn’t (Matt. 26:53). How easy it would have been for the one who cast out devils to banish the arrogant high priest. How elementary for one who loosed the tongues of the dumb to stop the tongues of false witnesses. Yet he who brought worlds and galaxies into being stood mute before his mortal accusers…. He who had escaped unharmed from the angry mob at Nazareth (Luke 4:29–30) faced the small band of arresting soldiers with a simple “I am he” (John 18:5). The awesome, infinite power at his command was not unleashed to spare himself the least pain, the smallest discomfort….
One cannot help but be struck with the tremendous difference between Christ’s behavior during those terrible hours and the actions of those around him. Throughout, it becomes clear that Jesus was the only one who was not thrown off balance by the passions of that night and the following day. Judas betrayed him, then committed suicide, apparently in a great overflowing feeling of guilty remorse. The armed party sent out to arrest him fell back in fright when he told them he was Jesus. Peter vowed perfect support and then failed miserably as fear washed out his determination. The high priest was thrown into a rage by the calm demeanor of the accused. Pilate, symbol and wielder of Roman might, became a frightened vacillating man when faced with the King of the Jews. Even the hardened Roman soldier was awed by Christ’s manner of dying. Throughout, it becomes clear that Jesus was not the victim but the Master (Gerald Lund, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Jul. 1975).
READ ENTIRE TALK
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
FOR YOUNGER DISCIPLES
QUESTIONS FOR YOUNGER DISCIPLES
- How do you think Jesus felt towards Judas after he betrayed his Lord?
- Why do you think Jesus did not defend himself?